Performance and variation in phenotypic characters of maize genotypes in Mid-Western Region of Nepal

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the morphological characters of maize genotypes at Horticultural Research Station, Dailekh in two consecutive years (2016 and 2017). Altogether, seven genotypes consisting of BGBY POP, BLSPRSO7, Across 9942/9944, Across 9331/RE, TLBRSO7 along with check varieties (Deuti and Local) were experimented. The trial was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Data on morphological parameters and yield attributing traits were recorded. The results over the years of experiment revealed significant differences for days to maturity, plant height, ear height, number of kernel per row and grain yield. Furthermore, highest grain yield was recorded in Across 9944/9942 (7.24 tha-1) followed by BLSPRSO7 (6.73 tha-1). Similarly, number of kernel per row was maximum in Across 9942/9944 (37.6) followed by Deuti (37.1). The significant variation in ear height was observed which ranged from 125.4 cm (Across 9944/9942) to 146 cm (local variety). It showed local variety to be early maturing (114 Days After Sowing); however, Across 9942/9944 was late maturing (119 DAS). Correlation analysis revealed that ear population, plant population and plant height were yield determinative and simultaneous selection for these traits might bring an improvement in grain yield. This study revealed that Across9931/RE can be a potential genotype for yield and for further maize breeding program.