Genotype and Phenotype Coefficient of Variance in Maize (Zea mays L.)

The present investigation was carried out with 30 maize inbred lines at Seed Research Technology Centre, Rajendranagar, PJTSAU. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the inbreds for all the traits studied. The phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) was slightly higher than the genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) indicating the role of experimental variance in the total variance. High PCV and GCV were observed for SVI-2 whereas cob yield per plant and grain yield per plant showed high PCV and moderate GCV. It indicated the presence of a high degree of variability. Ear height, 100- grain weight, seed vigour index – I and speed of germination had moderate PCV and GCV. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed in ear height, 100-seed weight, cob yield per plant, seed vigour index-1, seed vigour index-2, speed of germination and grain yield per plant indicating the preponderant role additive gene action in inheritance and simple selection would be effective for yield improvement. Based on GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance over mean seven traits (ear height, ear length, cob yield per plant, grain yield per plant, SVI-1, SVI-2 and speed of germination) are given importance during the selection of inbred lines. The current study reveals the existence of proper genetic variability among the characters which can be applied to a maize improvement programme.