Genetic analysis for grain yield and yield related traits in maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines in line tester mating design

Maize is one of the most important cereal crop widely grown in the world. Maize crosses along with similar maturing checks were evaluated at Hawassa in 2015-2016 cropping season to understand the nature of gene action governing yield and its attributes through line × tester analysis and to study genetic contribution of line, tester and the interaction of line × tester to total variation. The experiment was done by using α-lattice design 6 × 11 arrangement. Cross L31×T2 showed the highest mean grain yield than both checks. The result showed that, lines played an important role towards days to anthesis, days to silking, ear length, number of rows per cob and number of kernels per row, indicating predominance of maternal lines. Based on analysis of genetic variance, traits variance due to specific combining ability (σ²SCA) was higher than variance due to general combining ability (σ²GCA) indicated, non-additive gene action was important than additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits. These best cross combinations could be effectively utilized in maize breeding for the improvement of yield components and thus their incorporation in further breeding program is suggested. Key words: Additive, non-additive, cross, genotypes, line × tester, yield.