Variability and Trait Association in Maize (Zea mays) Varieties for Growth and Yield Traits in Dadin-Kowa, Gombe State

The experiment was conducted at Teaching and Research Farm of Federal College of Horticulture Dadin-Kowa Gombe State, Nigeria during the main cropping season of 2023 (July to November, 2023). The experiment aimed to determine the magnitude and extent of variability and the association between traits and their contribution to yield in maize genotypes. Ten maize genotypes were considered in the trial. The field experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times, totaling thirty plots. Data were collected on the growth and yield parameters. Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted on the collected data, and significant differences among the treatment means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) test at 5% level of significance. The results showed that genotypic mean squares were significant in number of ears per plant, ear diameter, 1,000 of grain weight, grain yield in tons per hectare, stem diameter, leaf area, and number of grain row per ear, indicating the presence of variability among the studied genotypes. Oba 98 demonstrated superiority over other genotypes in most traits studied followed by SAMMAZ 18. The genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were compared, with the PCV being higher than the GCV, indicating the influence of environmental factors on all investigated traits. Number of ears per plant (45%), grain yield per plot (43%) and grain yield in tons per hectare (43%) showed high broad-sense heritability, while number of leaves (6%) and leaf area (6%) had lower heritability. Path analysis suggested direct selection for traits like ear diameter to improve grain yield.