Genetic studies of some biochemical compounds and their relationship with charcoal rot resistance in maize (Zea mays L.)

Genetic studies of biochemical compounds like crude protein and total sugars were carried out by making diallel cross between ten inbred lines of maize of which five were resistant and five susceptible to charcoal rot. Simultaneously correlations were worked out between biochemical parameters and disease resistance. These studies showed positive correlations with disease resistance and crude protein and sugars. The genetic studies indicated predominance of dominance gene action for both crude protein and total sugar content with mean degree of dominance indicating over dominance. Thus, selection can be effectively carried out to increase the protein content but maximum gain will be through hybrid breeding. The combining ability pf these lines revealed that crude protein and total sugars were controlled by both additive as well as non-additive gene effects. Inbreds and crosses having higher gca and sea effects can be exploited in the selection and hybrid breeding programme, respectively which can be useful in direct selection for disease resistance.