Combining Ability of Some Yellow Maize Inbred Lines for Grain Yield and Other Attributes

Combining ability was conducted using line x tester analysis. Sixteen yellow inbred lines of maize and two single crosses (Sc.162 and Sc.177) as testers were crossed during during 2023 season. The resulted 32 crosses plus one check hybrid TWC. 368 were evaluated in three Research Stations (Sakha, Gemmeiza and Sids) using a randomized complete block design with three replication for days to 50 % silking, plant height, ear height, ear length and grain yield during 2024 season. The results showed that the mean squares due to locations, inbred lines, testers, inbred lines x testers and their interactions were significant or highly significant for most studied traits. The additive gene effects were more important than non-additive gene effects in the inheritance of all studied traits expect for plant height. Four inbred lines; L1, L10, L13 and L15 showed desirable general combining ability effects for grain yield. Two crosses; (L1 x Sc.162) and (L4 x Sc.162) were out-yielded the check TWC. 368.these crosses could be use in maize breeding programs. The HSGCA heterotic grouping method was able to classify nine inbred lines out of 16 lines. These two groups could be used in the breeding program for picking the wanted parents for making crosses.