Diallel Analysis of Ear Leaf Characteristics in Maize (Zea mays L.)1

Abstract

Ear leaf characteristics and grain yield were measured on a 10‐parent early, a 12‐parent medium, and a 12‐parent late maturity set of diallel crosses of corn (Zea mays L.). Higlhly significant general combining ability and specific cumbining effects were obtained for all characters in all three diallels. General combining ability accounted for a larger proportion of the variation for leaf measurements than for grain yield.Hybrids varied considerably in efficiency of grain production per unlit of leaf area. Grain production efficiencies may be useful in estimating optimum population levels for hybrids emerging from breeding programs.