Strategic genetic amelioration of quality protein maize (QPM) germplasm and its utilization in hybrid breeding

Abstract Use of diverse germplasm for generating heterotic hybrids is the foremost requirement in maize. The present study was conducted by using a diverse set of inbred lines and the line × tester method was applied to identify best performing lines and to group QPM inbred lines into different heterotic groups. The test crosses, developed by following line (66) × tester (CML 161 and CML 165) mating design, were evaluated during winter 2013, rainy 2014 and 2015 seasons at Begusarai and Ludhiana, respectively. Based on the specific combining ability, the lines were categorized into two heterotic groups. Out of 66 novel inbreds, 18 lines with significant SCA with CML165 were classified in group A, 16 inbreds with significant SCA with CML161 were classified in group B and 20 inbreds with significant GCA were classified in group (AB). Nine inbred lines were selected based on their positive GCA values and pedigree crosses were developed in rainy season in 2017. Three crosses were made in heterotic group A and four crosses were in group B for synthesizing new inbred lines by using pedigree method. Heterotic grouping based inbred evaluation trial and biochemical analysis were carried out to estimate per se yield potential of developed lines and to estimate tryptophan content. QIL-4-2491 (Group-A) and QIL-4-2401 (Group-B) were the top yielders. A total of 25 crosses were made among the heterotic groups (A and B) by using 22 lines from groups A and B and three best performing hybrids were identified.