Studies on exploitation of heterosis for grain yield and quality parameters in quality protein maize (qpm) genotypes (Zea mays l.)

Heterosis studies in 45 QPM single cross hybrids developed using 10 x 10 diallel set (excluding reciprocals) were carried out at two locations (Hyderabad and Allahabad) and in two seasons (kharif 2003 and 2004) for grain yield and three quality parameters viz., protein content, oil content and tryptophan content. From this study, it was inferred that out of 45 hybrids studied, the four hybrids P₂x P₆, P₃, x P₅, P₄ x P₇ and P₆. x P₁₀ were found to be the best, since they showed highly significant positive standard heterosis over the two standard checks (DHM 105-Normal maize hybrid and better yielding check) and Shaktiman 2 (QPM hybrid) for grain yield, protein content, oil content and tryptophan content. Hence, it was suggested that these two hybrids should be included in multi-location and multi-season experiments for further evaluation and confirmation before their commercial release.