Genetic enhancement of inbred lines through pre-breeding in maize

Genetic enhancement of maize

Authors

  • O. Srikanth Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, PJTAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad- 500 030
  • B. Jyothi Winter Nursery Centre, ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad- 500 030
  • M.V. Nagesh Kumar Maize Research Centre, PJTAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad- 500 030
  • C.G. Chikkappa RMRSP Centre, ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Vishnupur, Begusarai- 500 030
  • S. Vanishree The Institute of Biotechnology, PJTAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad- 500 030
  • N. Sunil Winter Nursery Centre, ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad- 500 030

Abstract

The enhancement of genetic yield potential in maize has resulted in the development of a vast number of cultivars globally. However, this progress has gradually narrowed the genetic diversity among modern maize cultivars. To broaden the genetic base, pre-breeding through wide hybridization between elite inbred lines and wild species is essential. In this study, 69 elite inbred lines were crossed with two wild relatives of maize—Zea mays ssp. parviglumis (WS-5) and Zea luxurians (WS-1). The resulting interspecific hybrids exhibited typical wild species traits such as tillering, prolificacy on both main and side tillers, and distinctive ear characteristics, indicating successful introgression. Combining ability analysis revealed significant variability among parents and crosses for most studied traits. Zea luxurians was a good general combiner for all traits except tassel length, anthesis-silking interval, and days to 75% dry husk based on GCA effects. Inbred lines IC0621049 and IC0621565 were also identified as good general combiners, except for days to 75% dry husk. Significant SCA effects in the desirable direction were observed in crosses such as PFSR-3 × WS-5, EC618215 × WS-1, and IC213122 × WS-1 for traits like plant height, ear diameter, kernel rows per ear, kernels per row, ear weight, and grain yield per ear. SSR marker-based molecular analysis confirmed hybridity. Cluster analysis grouped all parental lines into two clusters, with most inbred lines clustering with WS-5, suggesting closer genetic relatedness to WS-5 than to WS-1, which could explain the higher success rate of crosses with WS-5.

Additional Files

Published

2026-09-01

Issue

Vol. 68 No. 1

Section

Articles

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