Combining ability for yield in maize

Genetics of seed weight and grain yield in maize was studied through diallel analysis in two different situations, viz., winter and summer seasons. Combiningability revealed that both additive and nonadditive genetic variances were important in the expression of seed weight and yield in both seasons. K-725 and K-729 were the most desirable donors of seed weight and grain yield. The crosses K-729 x K-644 (5) and K-720 x K-644 (W) produced bold seeded hybrids. K-725 X K-644 (5) and K-725 x K-622 (W) were the highest yielding hybrids in summer and winter season, respectively. Due to dissimilarity in seasons, development of season specific hybrids/varieties has been suggested.