Performance evaluation and genetic parameters estimation of multi-companies maize hybrids in Lamahi Dang, Nepal

Selection, a basic and crucial step of breeding, can be made efficient through the estimates of genetic parameters. Ten multi-company's maize hybrids and two Nepalese maize hybrids were used as standard checks and evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of variance for different characters revealed significant differences for most of the characters among the genotypes used. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was observed to be higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits studied suggesting those traits interacted with the environment. The traits under study showed a wide range of heritability estimates (24%-90%). Among the characters, highest heritability and genetic advance were recorded for grain yield. Path coefficient analysis showed that the plant height, ear weight, number of kernel rows cob^-1 and number of kernel row^-1 and thousand kernel weight showed positive direct effect on grain yield. Ear weight and number of kernels row^-1 had significant and positive correlation with grain yield. Therefore, much attention should be given to ear weight and number of kernels row^-1 as these traits are helpful for indirect selection. Star 9, 10V10, and Shrestha were observed as superior and yielded higher than Rampur Hybrid 10 and Khumal Hybrid 2 in terms of grain yield.