Genetic Variances, Heritability and Traits Association of Early Maturing Maize Hybrids under Induced Drought at Seedling and Flowering Stages

Aims: Information on traits association and inheritance are crucial to designing appropriate breeding strategies for improving maize production productivity in drought-prone ecologies. The objectives of this study were investigate inter-trait relationships among hybrids estimate genetic variances heritability drought tolerance parameters under seedling flowering conditions.
 Methodology: Sixty-six single cross generated using diallel mating design plus nine hybrid checks evaluated a 5 x 15 alpha lattice randomized complete block designs three replicates the field screenhouse respectively, during 2015 cropping season. Data collected grain yield, ears per plant, anthesis-silking interval, aspect, chlorophyll content leaf area these data subjected analysis variance as well correlation path coefficient analyses.
 Results: Significant mean squares (P = .05) observed all measured except shoot fresh weight. Narrow-sense yield was moderate (33.4%) low (0 – 25%) traits. narrow-sense estimates most implied that scope improvement genotypes is limited. Seedling stress not directly correlated with number dead leaves relative total leaves. Results revealed leaves, conditions had significant direct effects field.
 Conclusion: Number at stage could therefore be used indicator exposed stage.