Genetic diversity and correlation estimates for grain yield and quality traits in Kosovo local maize (Zea mays L.) populations

Abstract

The aim of the presented investigation was to estimate the genetic diversity, and correlation analysis among yield and quality traits in twenty local maize populations. The experiment was based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. In the study we compared grain yield, and quality traits such as protein, oil and starch content in grain. The results showed that there were significant differences among populations. The overall mean grain yield was 79.33 g plant -1 with the highest grain yield in population GBK-7 (105.13 g plant -1 ). The protein and oil contents ranged between 11.02 to 13.02% and 2.56 to 5.57%, respectively. The starch content varied from 68.58 to 70.92%. The first two canonical discriminant functions were significant at p < 0.01. It is important to point out the great relevance of the first two discriminant functions justifying 95.80% of the variability among populations. There were also big differences regarding phenotypic correlations. The study suggests that the quality traits are phenotypically and genotypically highly variable and therefore very useful for breeding process