Triple test cross analysis in maize (Zea mays L.)

The success of plant breeding operations relies heavily on the nature and extent of genetic components of variation. Thus it is imperative to have reliable estimates of such components in order to formulate an efficient breeding strategy. In the present study, fifteen diverse white maize inbred lines were crossed to three testers viz., W3, W5 and their F1 W3 x W5 at Winter Maize Nursery, Amberpet (ICAR), India. The parents (lines and testers) and crosses were evaluated in Randomized Block Design. Data were recorded on six qualitative traits governing yield, viz., grain yield, 100-seed weight, ear length, ear diameter, number of rows ear−1 and harvest index. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among progenies. The epistasis was detected for all traits except 100-seed weight. Epistasis (i) type was found only in case of ear diameter while as (j+l) type epistasis was found in all traits except 100-seed weight. Additive and dominance components of variances were significant for all traits with preponderance of additive component. Degree of dominance was in the range of partial dominance. Correlation coefficient was non-significant for all traits. Heritability (narrow sense) estimates were low to medium.