Comparison of combining ability to evaluate local varieties small ear waxy corn for development small ear waxy corn hybrid

Abstract

The perspective of breeders for the development of new corn varieties is to use the potential of hybrid species. Obtaining good hybrid species resulted from the selection of good parent inbred lines. The selection of varieties for the extraction of inbred lines is, therefore, very important for the breeding program of Small Ear Waxy corn. Consequently, the combining ability test of local varieties of Small Ear Waxy corn to extract the inbred lines was conducted. The six varieties of local Small Ear Waxy corn were crossed in full diallel mating design. This then resulted in thirty cross hybrids. These were evaluated in RCB with three replications. The results revealed that a different environment resulted in differences in first ear yields, first and second ear size, ear and plant height, time of silking and time of harvesting. The study of the combining ability presented that yields and agronomic characters had a positive control gene expression. The selection of local Small Ear Wax corn varieties for the extension of inbred lines showed that the Teindamnakay variety had the best combining ability and mean value in terms of yields and yield component on the first and second ear characters. However, in terms of agronomic characters, the Tuckgnailoi variety was found to have the best combining ability and mean value was suitable for further extraction for inbred lines.