Estimation of Combining Ability for Plant and Ear Height in Maize

Abstract

Seven inbred lines of maize were studied in Line ×Tester analysis , using a randomized complete block design . Data were recorded on plant and ear height characters to determine the nature of combining effects and estimate the components of variance and genetic parameters . The value of specific combining ability variance was more than the general combining ability variance for the two triats ,indicating the importance of non – additive gene action . Narrow sense heritability ranged from 47.13% – 19.05% for plant and ear height respectively . Average degree of dominance was more than one for the two characters. Heterosis , measured as departure of F1 from the mean of the parents value were observed for the two characters .