Categorization of Newly Derived Inbred Lines of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.) into Heterotic Groups Based on Combining Ability Status

• Published in: Environment and ecology Vol. 39; no. 4; p. 959
• Main Authors: Kousar, Heena, Deshpande, Sanjeev K, Biradar, B D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kalyani MKK Publications 01.10.2021
• Subjects: Agricultural sciences; Botanical gardens; Classification; Combining ability; Corn; Crop yield; Inbreeding; Zea mays
• ISSN: 0970-0420

Heterotic groups are relevant as they allow germplasms to be utilized in a hybrid breeding program. The heterotic gene pools are mainly developed and utilized for the creation of hybrid combinations with the respective testers. Hence the development of twenty-seven hybrid combinations was practiced through the crossing of nine lines and three testers following the Line × Tester mating design as given by Kempthorne. The experiment was carried during kharif 2019 at the Botanical Garden of the University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad. The RCBD design was followed during the field layout and the sowing was carried following two replications. The resultant twenty-seven hybrid combinations were analyzed for their respective sca effects and mean performances. The respective hybrid performances and sca effects were utilized for classifying the parental inbred lines into different heterotic groups by following SCA-PY (Specific combining ability combined line pedigree and hybrid yield) and HSGCA (Heterotic group's specific and general combining ability) methods of classification for baby corn yield without husk per plant. Four inbred lines were assigned to heterotic group A (BBCH-51-2), five lines were assigned to heterotic group B (BBCH-120-1) and none of the line was placed in heterotic group AB following the SCAPY method. Whereas, eight lines were assigned to heterotic group AB, a single line to heterotic group B and none of the lines were assigned to heterotic group A following the HSGCA method of classification.