Genetic Basis of SPAD Chlorophyll Meter Readings and Kernel Yield for Selection in Maize (Zea mays L.) | Chapter 8 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 8

 

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most important cereal crop after paddy and wheat in India. It is a C4 grain crop with a high rate of photosynthetic activity, high grain and biomass yield. The exploitation of heterosis in maize helps in developing high-yielding hybrids, and it depends on the direction and magnitude of heterosis and the type of gene action involved in it. However, information on genetics and the association of SPAD chlorophyll meter reading with kernel yield is scanty in maize. This study evaluated 45 single-cross hybrids from ten inbred lines over three seasons for yield traits, combining ability, and heterosis. Kernel yield is impacted by multiple factors, with chlorophyll as a key pigment for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll meter readings (SCMR) reliably estimated nitrogen status across seasons, suggesting SPAD readings are useful in the selection of high-yielding genotypes. Both additive and non-additive gene actions govern SCMR and kernel yield, with non-additive effects playing an important role. Top-performing hybrids showed varied standard heterosis and significant sca effects for kernel yield and SCMR. Hybrids such as BML 15 x PDM 1474 and BML 7 x DFTY recorded high performance and significant heterosis, indicating their potential for hybrid vigour. High-performing hybrids with significant or non-significant sca effects may be utilised for pedigree breeding or population improvement to develop superior parental lines and hybrids.

 

 

Author(s) Details

N Sabitha
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati 517502, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

D. Mohan Reddi
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati 517502, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

P. Sudhakar
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati 517502, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v8/6554