INHERITANCE OF QUANTITATIVE TRAITS IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) IN WINTER AND MONSOON SEASON

Abstract

Twenty eight Fl hybrids were evaluated in four environments each in winter and monsoon season. Nonadditive gene effects were more important for stem diameterin winter season, while for other characters additive gene effects were more important. In monsoon season, nonadditive gene effects were more important for stem diameter and ear leaf area, whereas for numberofleaves, plantand earheight, and internodal length, additive gene effects were more important. Gca was less influenced by environment than sca for all the characters in winter and monsoon seasons. In pooled analysis over seasons, in expression of ear height nonadditive gene effects was less influenced by seasons, whereas for other traits sea was more influenced by seasons. The inbred line HI04- 21-4-2-1-2-3 was a good general combiner for shorter plant height, thicker stem, and more ear leafarea in both seasons. Four hybrids, namely, J 54 x J663, B 57-3-2 x H 104-21-4-2-1-2-3, J617-1-1-1-1 x J663, and J 6 17-1-1-1-1 x H 104-21-4-2-1-2-3, were good for shorter plant height; J 663 x H 104-21-4-2-1-2-3 was good for larger stem diameter; and PTR xH 57-3-2, Vijay 444-2-4f x J6 17-61-1-1-1-1 and PTR x H 104-21-4-2-1-2-3 for increased ear leaf area.