Stability and genetic divergence study of single cross hybrids in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A study of stability and genetic divergence was carried out on 22 experimental maize hybrids for 3 years, at the Maize Breeding Research Station, Poonch, India, to evaluate potential crosses particularly for double cross hybrid with a view that well developed single cross hybrids represent an interesting potential base population for double cross hybrid, as they have high and stable yield and desirable agronomic characteristics, with large proportions of favourable loci previously selected. Considering the estimation of stability and genetic diversity together in the present investigation, both directional crosses based on most diverse and stable parents namely PHM 10 x PHM 23, PHM 10 x 35 and PHM 10 x PHM 31 may be recommended which can throw out superior segregants in hybridization.   Key words: Maize hybrid, stability, genetic divergence.