Hybrid Performance and Standard Heterosis of Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) for Grain Yield and Yield Related Trait in Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Determination of standard heterosis in maize hybrids is required for their commercial exploitation and thereby enhancing their productivity. Therefore, the research designed to determine the performance of hybrid and their economic heterosis to enhance the production and productivity of maize. The experimental material, comprised twenty-eight F₁ hybrids along with the standard check (BHQPY-545), were evaluated using Alpha-Lattice Design with three replications during 2018 and 2019 cropping season at Haramaya University Research Site (Raare). Analysis of variance due to mean square of genotype exhibit significant difference for grain yield, ear diameter, anthesis-silking interval, days to maturity, number of kernels per row, number of kernel rows per ear and 1000-kernel weight. The mean value of the six crosses L1×L3, L1×L8, L3×L5, L4×L8, L6×L8 and L2×L4 had higher grain yield than the standard check BHQPY-545. The highest percentage of standard heterosis for grain yield was obtained from the crosses L1×L3 (11.05%), L1×L8 (10.89%), L3×L5 (6.97%), L4×L8 (5.61%) over BHQPY-545, indicating these hybrids had superior potential for commercial cultivation. The highest significant positive standard heterosis for 1000-kernel weight, number of kernels per row, ear length and ear diameter was manifested by the crosses L3×L5 (37.64%), L1×L3 (15.66%) L5×L6 (11.32%), and L2×L8 (15.21%), over BHQPY-545. The observed highest heterosis for grain yield and yield related traits indicates the potential of F₁ hybrids; therefore, such promising hybrids could be recommended for further use in breeding program and/or commercial use, after verifying the results by repeating the research across locations.