Advanced biometrical strategies for genetic analysis and heterosis assessment in maize germplasm.

ABSTRACT: Maize (Zea mays L.) is a cornerstone of global agriculture, contributing significantly to food security and economic stability as one of the world's most important cereal crops. Breeding programs enhancing maize productivity depend on strategically exploiting genetic variation and heterosis. This study employed biometrical approaches to analyze combining ability, heterosis, and heritability in 29 genotypes, including 9 parental lines and 20 F1 hybrids, developed through a Line × Tester mating scheme. Significant genetic variability was observed, with P4 (B73) and P1 (Zheng58) identified as superior combiners for nitrate reductase (NR) activity, glutamine synthetase (GS) activity, and grain yield. Testers P8 (Mo17) and P9 (PH4CV) exhibited strong combining abilities for NR activity, ear len

SUBMITTER: Jan MF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12751334 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature