Genetically analysis of grain yield and some agro-morphological characteristics of selected early maturity maize lines using diallel analysis

Comprehensive information on the genetics basis of inheritance is important for breeding programs. Therefore, the present study was performed as a diallel cross using nine selected early maturity maize lines. Thirty-six hybrids resulting from their one-way diallel crosses were planted during the two crop years of 2020 and 2021 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Based on a two-year combined analysis of variance, a significant difference was observed in the probability levels of one and five percent between the crosses for all studied traits. Diallel analysis by the fourth Griffing method showed that genes with additive and non-additive effects are involved in inheriting control of grain yield, plant height and ear height, but only genes with additive effects play a role in inheriting the traits of 1000-seed weight, grain moisture percentage and cob percentage. According to Baker ratio, the additive effect of genes has a greater role in controlling 1000-seed weight, cob percentage, plant height, grain moisture percentage, ear height and grain yield, because they explained high values of this ratio. The most desirable general combinator ability for grain yield were NK79 and KE 77008/1. Specific combining ability of grain yield of crosses KE 77005/2 × K 1263/1 and KE 76009/311 × K 1264 / 5-1 positive and significant was estimated. According to the results obtained for general and specific combining ability, the use of these lines and crosses in grain yield breeding programs will be promising.