Exploiting combining ability and maternal effects for genotypic selection of best hybrids in sweet corn and normal corn crosses

Twenty one sweet-normal corn crosses and twenty one normal-sweet corn crosses obtained by [3 × 7] sweet corn × normal corn and [7 × 3] normal corn × sweet corn crosses, respectively were scrutinized for the advantage of reciprocal cross effects in addition to the combining ability studies to screen superior hybrids for yield and quality related traits. Based on the mean reciprocal cross effect of common parental genotypes, NCL₃ and NCT₇ were identified as the best fit for seed and pollen parents for green cob weight, respectively. Potential heterotic combinations were discovered indirect and reciprocal crosses as well. Reciprocal cross effects were significant only for green cob weight, plant height and reducing sugars, however when screened at specific cross combinations levels, many crosses had appreciable hybrid vigour in reciprocal crosses. Thus maternal effect as an added approach for hybrid screening is advisable.