Identification of high yielding maize hybrids through genetic diversity analysis

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops in cereals with respect to its uses, adaptability and potentiality. There is a great need for the development of high yielding hybrids, to fulfill the high consumption of the increasing population. The present study was designed to identify the superior hybrid combinations in maize through diversity analysis of 30 Maize lines and 5 testers. Morphological character values of these lines were subjected to D2 statistics. Based on the D2 values, the experimental material (30 lines & 5 testers) has been grouped in to 6 clusters. Toucher’s method was used for calculating inter-cluster distances. The highest value of inter-cluster distance (1625509) was observed from cluster V to cluster VI and next between cluster V & III (1169553) and followed by cluster I & V (1078876). More diversity observed in between these clusters since having more inter-cluster distances. When we cross the lines from V & VI clusters there are high chances for getting good heterotic hybrids. From this study we have recommended 16 hybrids for farmer cultivation. The recommended hybrids (L29 X T3), (L29 X T5), (L2 X T3), (L5 X T3), (L22 X T3), (L11 X T3), (L30 X T3), (L24 X T3), (L19 X T3), (L2 X T5), (L5 X T5), (L22 X T5), (L11 X T5), (L30 X T5), (L24 X T5), (L19 X T5) will support farmers in commercial cultivation to achieve good yields. To the society, these hybrids may be the source for over-coming food shortages and demand by their high yields.