Potence Ratio and Path Analysis for Yield and Quality Traits in Single Crosses of Maize ( Zea mays L. ) Produced in Syria

Abstract

The present study was carried out at the Maize Researches Department in General Commission for Science agriculture Research (G-C-S-A-R) Damascus, Syria. This study aimed at estimating the potence ratio and phenotypic correlations and path analysis coefficient analysis for protein, oil, and starch content in grain, grain yield per plant and 100-kernel weight. Twenty eight single cross hybrids were produced using a half diallel cross in 2008 cropping season and consequently evaluated during 2009 cropping season. Potence ratio results indicated that partial and over-dominance gene effects played a major role in inheritance of protein, oil, and starch content in grain while, over-dominance gene effects were the most dominant in the inheritance grain yield per plant and 100-kernel weight. Positive and high significantly correlations were observed between protein and oil content in grain (0.366) and between grain yield and100-kernel weight (0.386). Potence ratio estimates indicating partial and over-dominance towards the higher starch, oil, protein, for 100 grain yield per plant over-dominance gene effects played a major role in inheritance of this trait. Path analysis results showed the contribution of oil content in grain, 100-kernel weight and grain yield per plant for protein content in grain variation account 15.55%, and the relative important of oil content in grain reach to 13.40%. So, it can be considered as selection criteria which may lead to improve protein content in maize grain.