Analyses of combining ability and heterosis in yellow maize inbreds over environments

Diallel analysis involving eight yellow maize inbred lines were crossed using full Diallel mating design. The 28 F₁ hybrids, 28 reciprocals alongwith three checks were evaluated in randomized block design in two replications, over two environments at BAU, Ranchi. Data were recorded for seven quantitative traits viz; days to 50 per cent tasseling, days to 50 per cent silking, days to 75 per cent dry husk, ear length, ear girth, 1000 kernel weight and grain yield. The general and specific combining abilities and heterosis of eight inbred lines of maize over two environments were tested for these traits. Both additive and non additive gene actions were observed important for expression of these traits. One best general combiner, HKI 323 for maturity traits and another BAUMI-2 for grain yield were identified. One best specific combiner CM151× HKI 323 for days to 50 per cent tasseling, days to 50 per cent silking, CM152× CM212 for days to 75 per cent dry husk and another cross HKI 323× BAUMI-2 for grain yield were identified.