Genetic analysis of ear, husk, and tassel traits in tropical maize under diverse environments.

ABSTRACT: Grain yield (GY) in maize (Zea mays L.) is influenced by multiple component traits, with ear- and tassel-related traits playing a significant role. Despite their importance, these traits receive less emphasis in tropical maize breeding. This study aimed to: (i) assess the inheritance and heterosis of ear and tassel traits, and (ii) investigate their genetic correlation with GY. Thirty tropical maize inbred lines were used to develop 150 hybrids, which were evaluated under artificial Striga hermonthica infestation, managed drought stress, and rainfed conditions over two years. General (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability mean squares were significant (P< 0.05) for most traits, indicating the contribution of both additive and nonadditive gene action. GCA sums of sq

SUBMITTER: Kosgei T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12375579 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature