Selection of recycled inbreds through identification of favourable alleles for the improvement of an elite single cross hybrid in maize (Zea mays L.)

The present investigation was aimed to identify lines with favourable alleles (μG′) in the recycled inbred lines for the improvement of an elite single cross IPA3 x SC7, which had the highest mean yield per se value of the 45 crosses obtained from 10 x 10 diallel and tested in four environments. 100-kernel weight, ear length and ear diameter which showed positive correlation with yield were also considered for this purpose. The results indicated that, the estimates of μG′ were able to detect differences among the donor inbreds in the relative number of loci with new favourable alleles for grain yield, 100-kernel weight, ear length and ear diameter not present in the.elite hybrid IPA3 x SC7. The estimates of μG′ in various donor inbreds varied in different environments for the same trait. Considering the parameters (μC′ + μF′) and (μD′ + μE′), it was found that the parent SC7 can be utilized for the improvement through pedigree breeding by crossing to CM117 or TCA21. These lines possessed favourable alleles for yield contributing characters viz., ear length and ear diameter.