Identification of consistence performing dual purpose maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes under semi-arid condition

Maize (Zea mays L.) being grown since centuries and a very popular crop in the low and mid-altitude areas across north-central India. Being important for fodder and grain purpose, the utilization from maize can be enhanced by growing it as dual purpose crop. Seven new maize lines were developed for dual purpose use (grain and stover) and evaluated for their consistence performance over years. Nine maize genotypes including two nationally adapted varieties (African tall and J-1006) were evaluated for three consecutive years. Pooled analysis of variance indicated that maize lines possessed significant variation for all the major traits of dual purpose. Significant differential response to the changing years for most of the traits except for the traits viz., plant height, stem diameter, tassel length, green fodder yield and grain yield. Genotypes IGMF-1 was found to be with higher mean and showed consistent performance for most of the traits, including grain and stover yield, hence considered to be adaptive and stable. This may be used as a parent in hybridization programme for further improvement.