Selection Indices and Genetic Advance in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Page(s): 4 (1), 63-72, 14 Ref.Twenty- five genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.) were evaluated at two locations (Shambat and Sennar) in a 5x5 partially balanced lattice design. Data were collected on four characters, namely number of rows/cob, number of grains/cob, 100-grain weight and grain yield/plant. Then, different selection indices were constructed using different combinations of these characters. The selection index based on number of rows/cob, 100-grain weight and grain yield/plant gave the highest expected genetic advance (23.6 kg/ha) and the highest relative efficiency (195.3%). Selection indices involving 100-grain weight showed relatively high efficiency compared to indices of the same order involving number of grains/cob. Generally, the efficiency was increased when the indices included two, three and four characters, at a time. Thus, it could be concluded that the more inclusive the selection index is the more its efficiency will be. However, special consideration should be given to those traits, which have negative direct effects on grain yield.Khartoum University Pres