Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies of Yield and Yield Component in Maize Hybrids (Zea mays L.) Under Kymore Plateau and Satpura Hill Region of Madhya Pradesh

The study to estimate genetic parameters and to identify agronomic traits correlated with the grain yield of maize hybrids using an experiment was conducted at the Research Farm, JNKVV Jabalpur (MP) during the year 2012–13 consisting of seven newly developed maize hybrids and one composite variety. The experimental design was a randomized block design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed high significant difference for all the twelve characters studied. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotype coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters indicating the little influence of environment on the characters. All the qualitative characters illustrated high estimates of heritability, which indicates preponderance of additive gene action in the inheritance of these characters. High to moderate degree of genetic advance was observed for grain yield and stover yield, which was followed by cob weight and grains/cob. The genotypic correlations were higher in magnitude than phenotypic correlation and in the same direction. Grain yield had a significant positive correlation at both genotypic and phenotypic level with stover yield, grains/cob, grains/row, shelling percentage, grain rows/cob, cob/plant, harvest index, cob weight, cob girth and seed index. Thus, these characters may serve as effective selection parameters during the breeding programme for crop improvement.

Crop yield had a significant positive correlation with grains/cob, grains/row, shelling percentage, grain rows/cob, cob/plant, harvest index, cob weight, cob girth and seed index and stover yield at both genotypic and phenotypic level.

Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotype coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied.