Genetic variability and selection parameters in fodder maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Thirty strains of Maize (Zea mays L.) were evaluated for eight forage characters namely, days to flowering, plant height (cm), number of leaves / plant, leaf length (cm), leaf breath (cm), stem girth (cm), green fodder yield/ plant (g) and dry fodder yield/plant (g) during kharif season at Kanpur. These genotypes showed wide range of variability for green fodder yield, leaf length and leaf breadth. Days to flowering and plant height showed high estimates of heritability. However, genetic advance was high for green and dry fodder yield. Path co-efficient analysis revealed that plant height, leaf breadth and green fodder yield have positive direct effect on dry fodder yield while leaf length and days to flowering showed negative direct effects. Number of leaves/plant showed negative direct effect on dry fodder yield but positive and high indirect effects via plant height, leaf breadth, stem girth and green fodder yield. Stem girth also had negative direct effect on it but positive and high indirect effects via days to flowering, plant height, leaf breadth and green fodder yield.