Study of Combining Ability and Heterosis in Quality Protein Maize using Line x Tester Mating Design

Background: High protein content with good quality maize is likely to gain wider acceptance if hybrids are produced that have agronomic performance similar normal and retain an enhanced nutritional quality. Thus, attempt was made develop for the benefit of different sections society depending on maize. Methods: During Rabi season 2016-17 (hybrids were obtained crossing ten inbred lines four testers following Line x Tester mating design) 2017-18 (evaluation parents involved along two commercial checks based agro-morphological traits). Result: Highly significant differences observed among lines, crosses. Combining ability revealed SCA variances higher indicating preponderance non-additive gene action. The contribution line tester interaction suggesting used in this study can provide high heterotic cross combinations. CML 508, 163-D 169 superior general combiners, their efficacy as future breeding programs. Heterosis identified yield advantage crosses namely, CML508 CML154-2, CML170 CML169 CML163-D DMRQPM103 over standard HQPM1 900 M Gold.