Mid-parent and Better Parent Heterosis Study on Highland Quality Protein Maize Hybrids in Ethiopia

Determination of heterosis in maize hybrids is necessary for the identification superior F1 breeding programs. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate amount mid parent (MPH) and better (BPH) grain yield, yield-related, agronomic, morphological traits. Hybrid development from fixed inbred lines one strategies improvement production. The national average yield Ethiopia low thus, selection promising germplasm, knowledge combining ability, heterotic grouping are prerequisites developing high-yielding varieties. Forty-two Quality Protein Maize (QPM) crosses (21 each crossed with two testers) along three popular standard were evaluated replications using alpha lattice during 2017 cropping season at Ambo and, Arsi-Negele. Parental line trials consisting 21 lines, testers, conventional (CM) check (FS67) established laid out RCBD side by hybrid At Ambo, almost all showed positive significant BPH except (L1xT1, L4xT1, L13xT1). maximum (276.2%) obtained L17xT2. Similarly, Arsi-Negele, most had five which showing negative heterosis. highest L10xT2 Generally, high yielding reasonable BPH. Based on result identified. Some good performance terms against parent: L17xT2 (329.88% MPH, 276.18% BPH), L3xT2(320.05% 273.91%BPH), L19xT2(2802.57% 247.31% BPH) whereas Arsi-Negele (128.38% 111.27%BPH) L11xT2(115.33% 98.00% higher compared parent. Crosses that best were: L8xT2, L7xT1, L8xT1, L19xT1, L6xT2, L18xT1. These should be reconsidered further evaluation possible release.