ASSESSMENT OF GENETIC VARIABILITY AND TRAIT INTERRELATIONSHIPS IN
MAIZE HYBRIDS (ZEA MAYS L.)

Bijay Mahato, Bikal Poudel, Aayushma Shrestha, Mahendra Prasad Tripathi

DOI: 10.26480/bda.02.2025.50.56

ABSTRACT
Maize is a globally important cereal crop that plays a crucial role in food security and agricultural sustainability. Understanding the genetic and phenotypic variability of maize genotypes is essential for improving yield potential and adaptability through breeding programs. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic and phenotypic variability of 24 maize genotypes, including local and commercial checks, under winter growing conditions in Chitwan, Nepal. The experiment was conducted at the National Maize Research Program (NMRP) in Rampur, Chitwan, during the winter of 2023 using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Key agronomic traits, including days to 50% anthesis and silking, plant height, ear height, cob characteristics, kernel traits, and grain yield, were recorded. Statistical analyses included the estimation of phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV), heritability, genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM), correlation analysis, and path analysis. Results revealed high genetic variability for ear height, plant and ear aspect, and grain yield, indicating their potential for genetic improvement. High heritability estimates (>60%) were observed for flowering traits, plant and ear height, cob characteristics, and grain yield, suggesting minimal environmental influence. Correlation analysis showed significant positive associations between grain yield and traits such as plant height, ear height, cob length, cob diameter, and kernel-related traits. Path analysis identified the number of ears per hectare as key contributors to grain yield. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing ear traits for yield improvement. The identified high-yielding genotypes with favorable agronomic traits can be further evaluated in multi-location trials to assess their stability and adaptability for broader cultivation.

KEYWORDS
Maize genotypes, Genetic variability, Grain yield, Heritability, Genetic advance