Genetic distance based on simple sequence repeats and its relationship to specific combining ability and heterosis in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Genetic relationship among ten maize inbred lines derived from four different source populations was assessed using forty microsatellite markers. Correlations were estimated between Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers based genetic distance with F1 hybrid performance, midparent heterosis and combining ability for grain yield, days to silking and plant height. The genetic distances based on SSRs were almost congruent with pedigree information and depicted positive linear relationship with F1 hybrid performance, heterosis value and specific combining ability for grain yield. From the present results it is concluded that the Jaccard similarity coefficient based on SSR data might be used for determining genetic relationship among inbred lines. Although positive relation was revealed between genetic distance and midparent heterosis in this analysis but due to its low magnitude it couldn’t be used to precisely predict the F1 hybrid yield performance.