Abstract

The sweet corn hybrids synthesized with inbreds of domestic gene pool were studied for heterosis, combining ability effects and nature of gene action involved in the expression of green cob yield and quality traits in a Line x Tester design involving eighteen lines and four testers. Totally twelve quantitative and six qualitative traits were considered in the study. Combining ability indicated the predominance of non-additive gene action for all the characters and the contribution of lines was greater than the testers for all the traits studied. Since non-additive gene action was predominant, heterosis breeding was suggested for theimprovement of green cob yield as well as quality traits. Among the lines, B.No. 1421-5-1, SC8324 -3, SC 7855-3-1 USC 10-3-2-3 and USC 10-2-2 and among testers USC 3-1-2-1 and USC 4 were identified as superior ones, as they possessed higher per se and significantly positive gca effects for green cob yield coupled with desirable percentage of total sugar and starch. Therefore, these parents may be utilized for development of heterotic sweet corn hybrids with enhanced green cob yield and total sugar.

Keywords: sweet corn, green cob yield, combining ability, heterosis, total sugar.