Studies on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in maize (Zea mays L.) populations for yield and its contributing traits

Availability of appropriate germplasm is a key to any crop improvement programme. The knowledge and understanding of genetic variation present within the populations are useful for the efficient use of genetic resources in breeding programme. Hence, the present investigation was carried out to assess the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in twenty- six maize lines for agro morphological characters. The analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant variation among maize populations under study and the variability studies indicate the estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation were slightly higher than its genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits indicating there is less influence of environment. Among all the characters under study, yield exhibited highest phenotypic coefficient of variation (58.20) and genotypic coefficient of variation (57.89) whereas lowest PCV (5.97) and GCV (5.52) were recorded for days to 50% silking. High heritability with high genetic advance as percent of mean were recorded for plant height, ear height, cob length & girth, no. of kernel rows, no. of kernels per row,  100 - seed weight and yield which indicated the preponderance of additive gene action in controlling these traits. Emphasis should be given on these characters, while selection is made to improve yield potential.