Genetic variability study in biparental derived F3 families for effective selection in maize

Abstract

The current investigation was carried out to estimate the extent of genetic variability, trait association, direct and indirect effects of yield contributing traits on yield in bi-parental F3 population of DHKN 509 × CM 111. The experiment was conducted using 287 F3 progeny families laid out in an un-replicated fashion along with parents and F1 during rabi 2021-22. Nine yield contributing characters were studied; it revealed that there was ample amount of variation among the traits studied. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation for all the characters under study. High variability coupled with high heritability and high genetic advance over mean were observed for kernels per row, cob length, pith weight suggesting that these characters can be improved through simple selection. All characters viz., cob length, kernels per row, pith weight, cob girth, 100-grain weight, shelling per cent, pith girth, kernel row number recorded positive and significant relationship with grain yield. Pith weight and shelling per cent recorded highest positive direct effect on grain yield per plant suggesting that selection for these traits results in positive improvement in grain yield during maize improvement programs.