Combining ability analysis and estimation of heterosis for grain yield and its component traits in maize (Zea mays L.)

The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all studied traits, indicating that the experimental materials exhibited sufficient genetic variability for all characteristics assessed. The estimates of heterosis over the better parent ranged from-9.66% to 62.42% concerning grain yield per plant. The cross CM 212-2 × GYL 1 (62.42%) showed the greatest positive heterosis compared to the better parent, followed by GYL 1 × GYL 10 (46.65%) and CM 111 × GYL 1 (36.95%). Economic heterosis varied between-43.63% and 38.30%. The combination GYL 4 × GYL 10 (38.30%) demonstrated the highest significant positive heterosis over the standard check, trailed by CM 212-2 × GYL 4 (36.59%) and GYL 4 × GYL 5 (33.66%). Further investigation of these crosses may result in the creation of desirable maize hybrids.