Heterosis and Combining Ability Analysis in Maize Using Line X Tester Model

Twenty-two lines were crossed with 2 testers in a Line × Tester mating design 2017-18 and the resulting 44 crosses along lines, three checks i.e., BARI Hybrid Maize 9 (BHM 9), 981 Elite evaluated alpha lattice two replications, during rabi, 2018-19. Highly significant differences found among genotypes for all characters studied. Parent parents vs except ASI indicating greater diversity parental of traits. Three (viz., BMZ 55, 53, 4) showed negative GCA effect both days to 50% tasseling silking, good general combiners earliness. 15, 53 68 effects plant ear height. BIL 79, Pinacle 17 182 exhibited desirable positive grain yield. Considering those could be used extensively hybrid breeding program accumulate favorable genes. However, cross combinations x CML 429 79 promising considering SCA effect, mean performance utilized enhancing production. BHM as check, percent standard heterosis yield varied from -52.6 0.6%. None 429.
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 46(3): 261-274, September 2021