Association of Seed Yield and Yield Traits of Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) in Inbred Lines at Bako, Ethiopia

Abstract

Seed yield of any hybrid maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) variety emerges depending on parental characteristics of inbred lines used. Even though, traits of each inbred line are recorded there is no clear information about parental traits that contribute to yield and associations among those characters. The present study was conducted using 14 inbred lines at Bako National Maize Research Centre in 2018/2019 based on Randomized complete block design with three replications. Determining type and level of associations among certain parental traits of inbred lines were the primary objectives of the study. Data of PH, EH, EPO, 50% AD, 50% SD, MD, EPP, ED, EL, KPR, and TKW were collected. Analysis of variance was carried out using SAS9.3 and correlation and linear regression were tested using past 3.4 software. The mean squares revealed that there were highly significant differences existed among inbred lines for most of the traits except EPP, EA, and ED. Correlation analysis indicated that a strong positive relationship (r=0.57) exist between grain yield and plant height, ear length (r=0.57), kernel/row (r=0.62) and thousand kernel weight (r=0.58). A negative learner association was observed for grain yield with the ear aspect (r=-0.36) and plant aspect (r=-0.28) which is important for quality seed production. Linear regression shows that plant height, ear height, ear length, number of kernel/row, and thousand kernel weight are closely associated with grain yield. Hence, based on correlation and regression analyses, we conclude that these traits should be considered in selecting inbred lines in breeding programs.