Combining Ability Studies In Top Cross Derivatives Of Maize (Zea Mays L.)

In a study on combining ability in maize involving 21 inbred and 1 variety and 21 F1's derived through inbred variety through inbred x variety cross, the preponderance of additive gene action was observed for all the traits under study. Among the inbred lines, CML-269, CML-251, CML-292 and GWL-7 appeared to be good general combiners for grain yield, in addition to grain yield the inbred CML-269 was found to be general combiner for protein content, shelling percentage and number of grain rows per ear, and CML-251 appeared to be good combiner for days to 50 % tasselling, days to 50 % silking, days to 75 % maturity ear girth, 100- kernel weight, number of grain per row, and number of ear per plant. Thus, these two inbred may serve as potential parent for improving yield and yield attributes in future breeding programme.