Commercial heterosis for yield and yield related components in test crosses of yellow maize

Abstract

An experiment on commercial heterosis for yield and yield related components in test crosses of yellow maize (Zea mays L.) was conducted in summer cropping season 2020, at Cereal Crops Research Institute (CCRI) Pirsabak, Nowshera. Data were recorded on 50% pollen shedding, 50% silking, plant height, ear height, earshectare^-1, plant population ha^-1, and grain yield. Minimum50% pollen shedding (60 days) was recorded for the genotypes, G-10, G-17, G-29 and G-30. Minimum commercial heterosis (-0.81%) was recorded for the genotypes G-10 and G-17 for the trait of 50% pollen shedding.  Lowest value for 50% silking (63 days) was exhibited by the genotypes, G-10, and G-29. Minimum commercial heterosis (-0.76%) for the trait of 50% silking was calculated for the genotype, G-10 (-2.30%). Plant height trait indicated shortest plants for the genotype G-5 with a numerical value of 126.7cm. Minimum commercial heterosis was recorded for the genotype, G-5 (-22.0%) for the aforementioned quantitative trait. Among the genotypes, G-10exhibitedhighest ear height (85.8cm). Maximum commercial heterosis was recorded for the plants of the genotype, G-10for the trait of ear height with a value 17.04%. Greatest plant populationhectare^-1(64667 ha^-1)was indicated by the genotype, G-44.Highest commercial heterosis was revealed for the genotype, G-44 (5.43%) for plant population hectare^-1. Maximum earshectare^-1 was found for the genotype, G-56 (67333 ha^-1). Maximum commercial heterosis was founded by the genotype G-56 (9.78%). Highest grain yieldhectare^-1 (8590 kg ha^-1) was produced by the genotype, G-62.