Gene Action, Heterotic Patterns, and Inter-Trait Relationships of Early Maturing Pro-Vitamin A Maize Inbred Lines and Performance of Testcrosses under Contrasting Environments

Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of night blindness, total maternal and childhood mortality in developing countries. Drought, low soil nitrogen Striga hermonthica parasitism are major constraints to maize production sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Thus, development multiple stress tolerant varieties with elevated levels PVA an economically feasible approach simultaneously tackle malnutrition food insecurity SSA. The objectives this study were determine gene action modulating inheritance grain yield other traits, group inbred lines, investigate inter-trait relationships among traits assess performance stability single-cross hybrids derived from a set lines under non-stress environments. One hundred ninety diallel crosses plus six hybrid checks evaluated managed drought at Ikenne during 2016/17 2017/18 dry seasons, N conditions Mokwa Ile-Ife, infestation Abuja Mokwa, optimal management Ikenne, Kadawa, Abuja, Bagauda 2016 2017 growing seasons. Both additive non-additive actions prominent measured conditions. However, was preponderant over non-additive. inbreds classified into three heterotic groups TZEI 25 TZEIOR 164 identified as testers for 2 3, respectively. Plant ear heights, ears per plant, plant aspects reliable secondary genetic enhancement both Hybrids 4 × 158 119 outstanding should be tested extensively possible commercialization combat