Comparison of maize lines and their test crosses according to grain yield and some physiological properties

This study evaluated 7 inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.), 3 testers, and 21 hybrids produced using the line × tester mating design. The study was conducted in Konya, in The Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. CD (coefficient of determination) values were calculated to detect the effect of inbred lines on grain yield and other physiological properties of the test crosses. The mean values of all the parameters of the genotypes were evaluated using the Duncan’s multiple range test for grouping progenies and parent groups. The CD values between parent groups and progenies were statistically significant for photosynthetic efficiency (r² = 0.11**; P <0.01) and Mg content (r² = 0.14**; P <0.01). The CD value for grain yield of line 14.2 was 0.58; for chlorophyll content, anthocyanin content, and grain yield of line 14.20 CD values were 0.70, 0.25, and 0.55, respectively. Similarly, the CD values for total anthocyanin and Mg contents of line 14.21 were 0.36 and 0.48, respectively. The inbred line 14.20 was effective for the formation of chlorophyll, total anthocyanin content, and grain yield according to its high CD values, and progenies of the line were within the first group for other properties, according to the Duncan’s multiple range test (14.20 × FRMo 17 [total anthocyanin content, grain yield], 14.20 × ADK 451 [chlorophyll content, grain yield]). A hybrid produced from an inbred line that has high CD values within the first group represents the genetic potential of the inbred line, supporting the use of CD values for parental selection methods in breeding studies.