Influence of Moisture Regimes and Sowing Dates on Heterotic Potential of the Flowering Traits in Winter Maize

The present investigation is an attempt to study the heterosis manifested by forty-five winter maize hybrids over checks under different dates of sowing and moisture regimes for flowering traits, viz. anthesis-silking interval (ASI), tassel vigour index (TVI) and tassel condensation (TC). Results revealed that the cross P₁ x P₁₀ (G₁₅ C₂₂ MH 148-1-1-1-6-3-BB x CML 117) showed desirable heterosis coupled with excellent mean performance and specific combining ability for ASI and TC over the environments. Whereas, the cross P₅ x P₆ [Pop 27-S₄-4A-1-3 x Pop 147 (EEY DMR) S₁-117-3] was better under early, moisture non-stress and moisture stress conditions. Similarly, the hybrid P₁ x P₉ (G₁₅ C₂₂ MH 148-1-1-1-6-3-BB x EEY DMR 8, -3-1-1-2-3) identified to be suitable for appreciable ASI, TVI and TC under late sown situation. These identified hybrids may be useful in developing drought tolerant single cross winter maize hybrids after intensive investigation at different locations.