Abstract

                                The gene action and combining ability for important yield components in mзize were analysed through Line X Tester mating design using 29 lines and 5 testers. The study revealed the predominant role of dominant and epistatic gene action for plant height, height upto ear, cob length, cob girth, number of rows/cob and number of grains/row. Grain yield was found to be influenced by both additive and non additive gene action. The inbreds UMI 108, 123, 140, 29, 182/1, 53. 54, 150, 242. 262 and 287 were identified as potential sources of yield imp:evement and the specific combinations with good sca effect that could be of immediate practical value have been reported. They are UMI 46 X KI UMI 123 X UMC 6 and UMI 287 X Co

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