Genetic Diversity Analysis in Sub-tropical Maize (Zea Mays L.) germplasm

The present investigation was conducted to examine the genetic diversity existing among 50 genotypes of maize, during Rabi-2014sown under randomized block design with three replications. The data were recorded for sixteen quantitative characters to obtain estimates of variability, heritability, genetic advance and genetic divergence. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for all the characters studied except for number of cobs per plant. High estimates of GCV and PCV were observed for leaf area indexfollowed by leaf area per plant and number of grains per row. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for leaf area per plant and plant height. MahalanobisD 2 analysis revealed considerable amount of diversity in the material. The 50genotypes were grouped into 8 heterogeneous clusters. Among these clusters,Cluster Ihad maximum number of genotypes (14 genotypes).On the basis of mean performance genotypesHKI 193-1-1, R-13-1, TARUN 83-1-32, R-13-1-17 was found to be the best genotypes in Allahabad agro-climatic conditions. The characters such as leaf area per plant, plant height, days to 50 % tasseling, days to 50 % silking, seed fill duration and cob height showed high heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance which indicates that there is more chance of inheritance from progeny to their offspring, therefore these characters should be given top priority for effective selection.The present investigation revealed that ClusterVI and VIIIwere most diverse.Genotypes constituted in these clusters may be used as parents for future