Genetic variability estimates of hybrid maize genotypes in inner terai of Nepal

To access the genetic variability present on hybrid maize genotypes, a research was carried out at Farmers field of Rapti municipality-7 Chitwan, Nepal during the winter season of 2018. Ten hybrid maize genotypes were replicate thricely in a randomized complete block design. Analysis of variance showed that all the studied traits were significantly different except the number of kernel row per ear, ASI, ear aspect, days to physiological maturity and thousand kernel weight which showed the existence of enough genetic potential present for crop improvement Program. Plant height, ear height, number of kernel row, ear aspect, ear length, thousand kernel weight, and grain yield showed moderate to the high genotypic coefficient of variation, phenotypic coefficient of variation along with high heritability with moderate to high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. Selection can be performed on those traits showing the high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean for yield improvements program. Cluster analysis showed that the hybrid genotypes showed considerable genetic diversity among themselves by occupying three different clusters.