Performance evaluation of single-cross maize hybrids for flowering and yield traits

Abstract

The present experiment was conducted at Bharatpur-15, Fulbari, Chitwan, Nepal from 1st Dec 2017 to 9th May 2018 to evaluate the performance of eight single cross maize hybrids. The single cross maize hybrids were Shresta, Bioseed 9782, Rajkumar, Ganga kaveri, Rampur hybrid-6, RML-86/RML-96, Rampur hybrid-4 and RML-95/RML-96 and were evaluated in a random- ized complete block design with three replications. Data were recorded on flowering traits, yield attributes and grain yield. The results revealed that the lowest days to tasseling and days to anthesis were found in Shrestha and these traits were highest in Rampur hybrid-6. The hybrid Bioseed9782 produced the highest cob length (21.33 cm) and cob diameter (17.67 cm). The hybrid Bioseed 9782 produced the highest grain yield (15.96) followed by Gangakaveri (14.26 t ha⁻¹) and Shresta (12.12 t ha⁻¹). The hybrid Bioseed 9782 produced the highest standard heterosis (64.81%) followed by Gan- gakaveri (47.16%) and Shresta (25.14%). The finding of this experiment suggested that maize hybrids Bioseed 9782, Gangakaveri and Shresta can be commercially grown for higher grain production in Chitwan and similar agro-climatic regions.