Combining ability analysis of grain yield and oil content along with some other attributes in maize (Zea mays L.)

Combining ability analysis was carried out in a 6 X 6 diallele of maize for grain yield and oil content along with their component characters in kharif and rabi seasons. Results from pooled analysis over seasons reveales that nonadditive gene effects were more important for grain yield, oil content, number of rows/ear, number of grains/row and ear length, whereas for maturity, ear diameter, 100-grain weight and embryo size the additive gene effects exhibited predominant role. Gca was less influenced by environment than sca for all the characters except rows/ear, grains/row, and oil content. The line Sarhad SRU proved to be a good general combiner for both grain yield and oil content. Five out of the 15 F₁ hybrids evaluated have been identified to be good specific combiners for grain yield, whereas three crosses gave desirable significant sca effects for oil content.