Identification of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes for rainfed condition based on modeling of plant traits

Abstract

Nine maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes were evaluated in 8 field experiments during khari' (June to October) seasons of 1994 to 2001 under rainfed conditions in a semi-arid alfisol. Performance of these cultivars was analyzed based on grain yield, dry weight, fresh weight, days to 75% silking, anthesis to silking interval, and cob/plant height ratio under above and below normal rainfall conditions. When other plant traits were taken into account in addition to grain yield, performance of some genotypes was comparatively better. These included African Tall (fresh weight, anthesis to silking interval and cob/plant height ratio); DHM-105 (dry and fresh weight); HGT-3 (days to 75% silking); and Trishulata (fresh weight). Correlation and regression analysis of plant traits with grain yield indicated positive and significant relations between grain yield, fresh and dry weights for all the genotypes. African Tall was found to have a maximum yield predictability (R2) of 0.97, while HGT-3 had the lowest predictability of 0.89. On the basis of estimates of sustainability measured over different seasons DHM-105 and Trishulata were found to be highly sustainable with an index of 0.96 and were the potential maize cultivars suitable for rainfed conditions in semi-arid alfisols.