ASSORTMENT OF EXOTIC AND INDIGENOUS MAIZE ACCESSIONS

The exotic and indigenous accessions were screened for utilization in breeding programmes. The higher estimates of variability parameters for grain yield, plant height, ear height, logging resistance and tassel branches indicated existence of genetic variation among the accessions. The higher heritability estimates along with higher genetic advance for plant height, ear height, grain yield and tassel branches, indicating presence of additive gene action (s2A) for expression of such traits, which could be improved through direct selection. The correlation coefficient analysis expressed that grain yield could be improved with bold and larger seed size, since it was positively correlated with 100-kernal weight and ear aspect. The path coefficient analysis revealed that days to pollen shed and dry husk; number of upper leaves; logging resistance; tassel branches and ear aspect exhibited positive direct effects, indicating that such traits contributed directly to grain yield. The exotic collection      EC- 477372 exhibited highest grain yield followed by EC-477353 and EC-452455 (46.17%, 42.07% and 38.52% superiority, respectively over best standard check) and can be used for development of improved cultivars.