Genetic Variability Studies in S₂ Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines Under Drought and Irrigated Conditions

Eighty S₂ generation selfed seeds along with twelve inbred lines, three composite populations and five checks were raised in ear to progeny row and evaluated by using lattice square design (10 x 10) during summer seasons 2013–14 for different traits under normal and water stress conditions. Selection was made on the basis of their mean performance under normal and drought condition. The results revealed that analysis of variance showed highly significant difference for 17 characters except relative water content at 60 days, relative water content at 90 days and number of kernel rows per cob. High heritability and high genetic advance as per cent mean was noticed for grain yield per plot, bulk cob weight, anthesis to silking interval and grain yield per plant under drought condition. whereas under nonstress condition analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences for 7 characters and 4 character showed significant difference except chlorophyll content at 60 days, chlorophyll content at 90 days, relative water content at 60 days, days to maturity, plant height, ear height, cob girth, number of kernel rows per cob and number of kernels per row. High heritability and high genetic advance as per cent mean was noticed for grain yield per plotand bulk cob weight. Thus, these traits could be used as selection criteria for improving grain yield in maize under stress as well as under nonstres siuations.