Genetic Evaluation of Grain Yield and Kernel Micronutrient Traits in Maize

Forty-one maize inbred lines and 16 experimental hybrids were analyzed in this study for grain yield and related traits, besides kernel micronutrients (iron and zinc). The study revealed considerable genetic variability for the traits under study. Most of the yield components displayed significant positive correlation with yield, except days to fifty percent male flowering and silking, which also displayed negative correlation with kernel Zn concentration. While kernel Fe concentration was negatively correlated to grain yield, kernel zinc concentration did not display any significant correlation, indicating the possibility of developing early maturing maize genotypes with higher kernel Zn density without compromising grain yield. The two kernel micronutrients were not correlated among themselves. Among all the traits, kernel number per ear row was found to have significant direct effect on grain yield in both genotypic and phenotypic path analysis, whereas no significant direct or indirect effects of kernel iron and zinc concentration on grain yield was observed. The study also led to the identification of two promising single cross experimental hybrids (CM139 × BAJIM-06-12 and CM140 × V334) on the basis of grain yield and its components. Key words: Maize, grain yield, kernel micronutrients, correlations Pusa AgriScience Vol. 32, 11-16, 200