Combining Ability and Heterosis of Algerian Saharan Maize Populations (Zea mays L.) for Tolerance to No-Nitrogen Fertilization and Drought

Drought and low nitrogen are major stresses for maize (Zea mays L.), populations from the Sahara Desert potential sources of stress tolerance. The objectives were to assess tolerance varietal heterosis effects Algerian under no-nitrogen fertilization water stress. A diallel among six population was evaluated drought (300 mm irrigation) vs. control (600 mm) 120 kh ha?1 N fertilization. Genotypes showed significant differences genetic water- nitrogen-stress We propose a reciprocal recurrent selection take advantage additive non-additive effects, using AOR IGS, since they good performance in optimum conditions, improving yield × IGS. Negative not expected on plant height, anthesis–silking interval or early vigor. These BAH could be inbred lines tolerant There no relationship between origin group per se as parents crosses. crosses used base material populations, breeding programs focusing