Inheritance of maize grain yield components

Abstract

The mode of inheritance of maize grain yield and grain yield components, such as kernel-row number, number of kernels per row, and 1000-kernel weight, was determined by use of diallel crosses. Estimates of general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities were highly significant (p lt 0.01) for all observed traits. Dominant gene effects were more significant in maize grain yield and number of kernels per row, while additive gene effects were more important for kernel-row number and 1000-kernel weight. The mode of inheritance of kernel-row number was partial dominance, while over-dominance was of greater importance for grain yield, number of kernels per row and 1000-kernel weight. Heterotic pattern between observed inbreds was determined by cluster analysis of SCA effects for grain yield. It showed clear grouping of inbreds in two groups, representing two major heterotic groups Lancaster and BSSS.