Assessment of maize germplasm lines for genetic diversity, cultivar superiority and combining ability.

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important crop in the world; however, its yield is compromised by new production challenges leading to poor yield in sub-Saharan Africa. This calls for a need to enhance maize adaptation to changing climate and challenging environments. The new maize varieties should be richly endowed with high frequency of genes that confer high yield under stress and non-stress conditions. Currently, such maize is not available, prompting research into development of new germplasm lines for use in developing new hybrids. The objective of the study was to determine i) the level of genetic diversity using SSR molecular markers and phenotypic data in a set of 60 maize inbreds from the breeding program, ii) genotype by environment interaction in maize hybrids, iii) cultivar superiority, iv) combining ability effects, v) the relationship between yield and secondary traits and vi) the relevant genetic parameters that underpin genetic gains in a breeding program. To study genetic diversity present in the germplasm, phenotypic data and 30 SSR markers were used to estimate the genetic distance between the inbreds. The results indicated that inbred lines which were put in the same cluster were related by pedigree and origin. To assess the level of genotype by environment interaction (GXE) and cultivar superiority of the new germplasm lines, hybrids were planted in five environments with two replications. Data were analysed using the REML and AMMI tools in GenStat 14th edition. The results revealed significant differences between hybrids and environments for grain yield. However, GXE interaction was also significant indicating possible challenges which can be encountered in selecting new hybrids. To determine combining ability estimates two different testers were used. The REML tool from GENSTAT was used to perform the line X tester analysis. Results indicated that both additive and non-additive gene action were important for grain yield. The direct selection strategy for yield was recommended because heritability of grain yield was high. Overall, results suggested that the information on genetic diversity will assist in defining heterotic groups; which will enable effective and efficient management of the germplasm lines to produce new maize hybrids.