General and Specific Combining Ability Studies for Physiological and Quality Parameters in Maize (Zea Mays L.)

The present study was conducted to assess the general combining ability effects of parents and specific combining ability effects of hybrids for physiological and quality parameters in maize and explore their use in hybrid development. The interaction of line x tester was highly significant for all the characters studied. The variance due to specific combining ability was higher than due to general combining ability indicating the predominance of non-additive type of gene action in the governance of all the traits. Among the lines, QPM-14 has exhibited positive and significant gca effects for all the traits except nitrate reductase activity and it hasbeen identified as best general combiner for physiological and quality traits. Among the testers, S.C.B. 7853-1 recorded positive and significant gca effects for all the traits. Among the crosses, QPM-12 X Co (BC) 1, QPM-6 X Co (BC) 1 and QPM-14 X S.C.B.1457-6 recorded positive and significant sca effects for physiology and quality parameters.