Efficacy of maize inbred testers with varying levels of resistance to <i>Striga</i> for classifying <i>Striga</i>-resistant yellow-maize lines into heterotic groups

Identifying efficient testers for separating maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines into heterotic groups can facilitate the development of superior hybrids. Striga-resistant yellow-maize developed at International Institute Tropical Agriculture (IITA) do not have well established groups. This study was conducted to identify classifying Thirty were crossed with three having varying levels resistance Striga. A trial comprising 90 testcrosses and two hybrid checks locations in Nigeria 2 years under Striga-infested non-infested conditions. The approach that involved specific combining ability (SCA) effects mean grain yields found be more than group’s general (HSGCA) grouping method 30 tolerant resistant highly conditions using approaches. yellow assigned major could used as parents developing hybrids and/or synthetics generating source populations new lines.