Assessment of combining ability and gene action for enhancing green cob yield and related traits in sweet corn

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine the combining ability and gene action of sweet corn inbred lines and their hybrids and to ascertain the association between different biometrical and quality traits for increased green cob yield in sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata). An investigation was conducted during rabi 2023-24 at MMRS, AAU, Godhra and evaluated 13 parental lines and their 42 hybrids using a randomized complete block design. The analysis of variance for combining ability indicated that the ratio of ²gca/²sca was less than unity for all the studied traits except fodder weight per plant, total soluble sugar and reducing sugar which indicated the preponderance of non-additive gene action. Regarding GCA for green cob weight without husk per plant, female parent I07-62-3-2 and male parent 1820196-1 were excellent, with 182097 also being a good general combiner for multiple traits. Among 42 hybrids, nine and nine hybrids depicted a positive significant SCA effect for green cob weight without husk per plant and total soluble sugar, respectively.