Inheritance of quantitative traits in maize (Zea mays L.) in winter and monsoon season

Twenty eight F1 hybrids were evaluated in four environments each in winter and monsoon season. Nonadditive gene effects were more important for stem diameterin winter season, while for other characters additive gene effects were more important. In monsoon season, nonadditive gene effects were more importantfor stem diameterand ear leaf area, whereas for number of leaves, plant and ear height, and internodal length, additive gene effects were more important. Gca was less influenced by environment than sca for all the characters in winter and monsoon seasons. In pooled analysis over seasons, in expression of ear height nonadditive gene effects was less influenced by seasons, whereas for other traits sca was more influenced by seasons. The inbred line H104-21-4-2-1-2-3 was a good general combiner for shorter plant height, thicker stem, and more ear leaf area in both seasons. Four hybrids, namely, J 54 x J663, B 57-3-2 x H 104-21-4-2-1-2-3, J617-1-1-1-1 x J663, and J 6 17-1-1-1-1 x H 104-21-4-2-1-2-3, were good for shorter plant height; J 663 x H 104-21-4-2-1-2-3 was good for larger stem diameter; and PTR xH 57-3-2, Vijay 444-2-4f x J6 17-61-1-1-1-1 and PTR x H 104-21-4-2-1-2-3 for increased ear leaf area.