Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Maize in Deukhuri, Dang<b></b>

The evaluation of hybrid maize in terms of agro-morphology and genetic variability is crucial for hybrid maize development programs. The main purpose of the study was the evaluation of the performance of various hybrid genotypes in terms of production. The study was conducted at the research field of Prithu Technical College, Lamahi Dang. Twelve maize hybrids with three replications were under study in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) during the spring of 2021. Rampur Hybrid-6 and Rampur Hybrid-10 were the standard checks. Each genotype was cultivated in a plot of 3m x 3m resulting in a net plot area of 385 m2 per block. Analysis of variance showed that all the studied traits were found to be significant except ear length, ear diameter, and the number of kernel rows per ear. Three varieties, RML-98, RML-4, and RL-107, were found to be superior with grain yield values of 11.26, 9.92, and 10.22 tons ha-1, respectively, which were higher than the standard checks Rampur Hybrid-10 (9.24 tons ha-1) and Rampur-Hybrid-6 (8.23 tons ha-1). A positive correlation was found between the number of kernels per row and grain yield. The trait with the highest impact on the grain yield was days to silking. Therefore, these traits are suggested for selection in further breeding improvement programs