Analysis of midparent heterosis in a variety diallel in rainfed maize

Abstract

Basic knowledge on the genetic potential of source populations, either per se or in hybrids is important information in breeding programmes for the development of outstanding cultivars of cross pollinated crops such as maize. The diallel mating scheme has been widely used to provide information on the performance of parental populations and their heterotic patterns in crosses [1]. Diallel crosses also allow the identification of the heterotic groups and the prediction of performance of new populations (composites) derived from population crosses [1, 2]. The present study was conducted to analyse the midparent heterosis for its components and evaluate the genetic potential of some early and high yielding composites.