Abstract

A total of 50 hybrids was generated by Line x Tester mating design using ten lines and five testers of sweet corn. These hybrids along with parents and checks were evaluated at TNAU, Coimbatore during Kharif-2015. Genotypes were significantly different for all the traits under study. Green cob yield was found to have positive significant correlation with number of kernel rows per cob , plant height, green cob weight, total chlorophyll content, cob length, cob breadth, 100 seed weight, number of kernels per row indicating that indirect selection for yield through these traits will be effective. Green cob yield had no significant correlation with total sugar content of kernels indicating the scope of developing high yielding hybrids with high sugar content. Traits viz., tassel branching, green cob weight, number of kernels per row, green cob yield, 100 seed weight, reducing sugar, non reducing sugar, photosynthetic efficiency, stomatal conductance and total chlorophyll content recorded high genetic advance as per cent of mean coupled with high heritability thus providing maximum opportunity for improvement and genetic gain through selection of these traits.

Keywords: Sweet corn, Line x Tester, Genetic variability, Correlation.