Morphological diversity, hybrid vigour and nutritional quality of hybrids developed from diverse quality protein maize (QPM) inbreds

These findings established that, leveraging nutritional superiority, a heterotic breeding program can be established for QPM. Wide genetic variation among inbreds can be utilized to develop diverse populations, as observed in the African maize biofortification program. Therefore, the present study reveals potential for establishing a sustainable, broad-based QPM breeding. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.