Study of Genetic Variability and Diversity in Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines

Abstract

The present investigation was aimed to generate adequate knowledge and understanding of the genetic parameters and genetic diversity among the eighteen maize inbred lines which are important for assessing breeding strategies and predicting hybrid performance. A wide range of variability was noticed among the inbred lines under study. Traits like plant height, ear height, grain yield per cob, cob length and number of kernels per row recorded medium to high range of PCV and GCV estimates, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean. Hence, these traits are important for selection of genotypes to improve maize yield. The cluster II recorded maximum intra cluster distance (60.49) followed by cluster I (43.81). The clusters III, IV, V and IV are solitary clusters. The highest inter cluster distance of 386.89 was observed between the clusters IV and V, followed by cluster I and IV (326.90), clusters I and VI (309.98), cluster II and V (297.76), cluster III and V (239.32) and Cluster I and III (252.68). To develop high heterotic hybrids in maize select of inbreds as lines from cluster I and testers from Cluster III, IV and VI and also from cluster II and clusters III and V will be rewarding.