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VOL. 8, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Combining ability, gene action and heterosis studies in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors
Shivam Yadav, Kanhaiya Lal, Vishal Singh
Abstract
The present investigation was undertaken to assess combining ability,
nature of gene action and heterotic potential for yield and yield-contributing
traits in maize (Zea mays L.). GCA and SCA variances were significant for most traits, and SCA
variance exceeded GCA variance for all the characters, indicating the
predominance of non-additive genetic effects. For grain yield, GCA and SCA
variances were 119.925 and 407.645, respectively, with a GCA/SCA ratio of
0.2942. HUZM-23 and HUZM-21 were identified as good general combiners for grain
yield, with GCA effects of 10.517 and 10.026, respectively. The cross HUZM-25 ×
HUZM-24 recorded the highest SCA effect for grain yield (36.69), followed by HUZM-23 × HUZM-21 (32.30). HUZM-23 ×
HUZM-21 exhibited (44.88%) heterobeltiosis and (21.07%) standard heterosis for grain yield. The results indicated substantial
genetic variability and a predominance of non-additive gene action for most
traits. The superior parental lines and hybrid combinations identified in the
study could be utilized in maize improvement programmes, particularly for
exploiting heterosis and developing high-yielding hybrids.
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Pages:447-452
How to cite this article:
Shivam Yadav, Kanhaiya Lal, Vishal Singh "Combining ability, gene action and heterosis studies in maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.)". International Journal of Agriculture and Plant Science, Vol 8, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 447-452
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