EVALUATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SEED QUALITY AND FIELD PERFORMANCE FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF MAIZE HYBRIDS

Abstract

Farmers use seeds with good vigor as they guarantee a higher rate of emergence compared to less robust varieties to avoid replanting and the resulting delay in maturity or lower productivity due to poor plant density, caused mainly by their genetic makeup. This study investigated seed physiological activity and field performance of maize inbred lines and their different hybrids (single, double, and three-way crosses). Significant differences were detected among genotypes for all studied traits under both laboratory and field conditions. Inbred line 5012 exhibited superior performance across multiple traits, including speed of germination (4 seeds/day), germination percentage 95%, seedling vigor 3702.0, root length 29.93 cm, and root fresh weights 3.47 g. However, inbred line kr640 surpassed in shoot fresh weight 4.296 g and shoot-dry weight 0.99 g. Backcross (5012 × 3007) 5012 demonstrated superiority in speed of germination 93.33%, seedling vigor 3464.67, and specific root length 115.58 cm/g. The study identified specific genotype combinations that exhibited high germination percentages up to 93.33% and enhanced root and shoot development. Moreover, heterosis analysis revealed both positive and negative values for various traits, highlighting the potential for trait improvement through hybridization. In the field, the backcross (5012 × 3007) 3007 exhibited the highest yield 7.93 ton/ha-1, indicating its potential for commercial cultivation. Biplot provided insights into the grouping and correlation patterns among genotypes, facilitating the selection of superior parental lines for future breeding programs. This study provides valuable insights for maize breeders and researchers to optimize genotype selection and hybridization strategies for trait improvement and crop enhancement.

Keywords

• hybrids
• seedling vigor
• root/shoot ratio
• specific root length
• gt biplot