Evaluation of Half -Sib Families Derived from Maize Variety Sarhad White for Grain Yield and Agronomic Traits

3 Abstract: This study was undertaken at the Research Farm of KP Agricultural University, Peshawar during 2012 to evaluate half-sib maize families for grain yield and agronomic traits. Forty nine half-sib families derived from maize variety Sarhad White were used in the study. The experiment was laid out in 7×7 partial balance lattice design with two replications. Results indicated that the half-sib families were significantly different from one another for all the traits studied. Among the 49 half-sib families minimum days to 50% tasseling (50.0) were recorded for HS-32 while HS-48 showed maximum days to 50% tasseling (60.0). Minimum days to 50% silking (51.0) were observed for HS-08 while HS-48 showed maximum days to mid tasseling. Minimum plant height of 110.50 cm was recorded for HS-41 while HS-08 showed maximum plant height (160.60 cm), minimum ear height (40.70 cm) was recorded for HS-41 and maximum ear height (79.60 cm) for HS-48. Minimum grain moisture (14.0%) was recorded for HS-03 while maximum (30.60%) for HS-12. Minimum ear length (9.20 cm) was recorded for HS-41 while maximum (14.80 cm) was for HS-04. Minimum grain yield (3133.0 kg ha ) was recorded for HS-43 1 while HS-06 showed maximum (7423.0 kg ha ) grain yield. Maximum heritability estimate (0.84) was observed 1 100-kernal weight, while minimum (0.42) was observed for yield. Maximum correlation of yield was recorded with plant height and ear height. These results suggest that these half-sib families could be used as source of improved maize germplasm for developing maize genotypes with superior attributes.