Evaluation of Genetic Variability in Maize (Zea mays L.) Based on Yield and its Attributed Traits

Maize is commonly referred to as the queen of cereals because of its major share in the food for people in the world. It provides food, feed, and edible oil with low cholesterol levels for humans as well as for livestock consumption. It is a short-duration crop being cultivated in both spring and summer seasons to meet the desirable yield and to boost the economy. The aim of this study was to assess genetic variation in 20 genotypes of maize and the nature of associations between traits that affect grain yield. The analysis of variance demonstrated that for each trait, each genotype significantly differed from the other genotype. To determine the extent of genetic and environmental variation, respectively, the genotypic (GCV) and phenotypic (PCV) coefficients of variation were calculated. The PCV generally had a higher tendency than the GCV, indicating that environmental factors affected all of the investigated traits. Heritability, coupled with genetic advances, plays a vital role in improving certain traits in breeding programs. The association between various traits can be found using correlation coefficient analysis. Grain yield (GY) exhibited a significant positive genotypic and phenotypic association with number of grains per row, total grains per cob, number of rows per cob, and 100-grains weight. The yield of maize could therefore be increased by directly selecting for these traits.