HETEROSIS FOR MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS IN SUBTROPICAL MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.)

摘要

Heterosis for morphological traits was examined in maize crosses between inbred lines of contrasting maturities and plant heights in a field study over two years at CCRI, Pirsabak, Nowshera, Pakistan. The parameters included days to silking, leaf area, plant height and days to maturity. Except for one cross, mid-parent heterosis was significant for all traits in all crosses. Significant better parent heterosis was only found in one of the 4 crosses. Magnitudes of heterosis, both mid-parent and better parent, were positive and higher for leaf area and plant height traits compared to those for days to flowering and maturity. Mid-parent heterosis ranged from 24.57%-71.28%, 29.30%-37.85%, -6.03% to -9.74% and 0.82% to -9.53% for leaf area, plant height, days to silking and days to maturity, respectively. Based on the consideration of the level of heterosis, the study suggested Pop 9804xFRW4 as the best hybrid combination for early maturity and high fodder yield.