Genetic diversity studies in Forage Maize (Zea mays L.) for Green Fodder Yield

Abstract:

Seventeen maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes were evaluated for Genetic Diversity Studies at Forage Research Farm, RVC, Birsa Agriculture University, Ranchi. The Experiment was laid out in RBD with three replications. The genotypes were significantly different for all the characters; this indicates that there is scope for further genetic studies. Besides this, continuous and intensive cultivation of great yielding varieties under high fertility conditions resulted in problems related to pest population pressure and the outbreak of epidemics. The traditional varieties grown here are tall tolerant to drought and poor yielding but well adapted to red lateritic, acidic and poor soil. Information regarding their varietal diversities for various morphological traits is scant. All the genotypes were grouped into five clusters. Cluster-I has the most significant genotype (i.e thirteen genotypes), Cluster-II has two genotypes, Cluster-II, Cluster-V have one genotype each. The maximum contribution towards divergence was observed for Crude protein (40.35%) followed by plant height (cm) (35.67%), Days to 50% flowering (22.81%) and GFY (q/hac) (1.17%). The genotypes PFM-13, VL-117 and PMC-13 were the most promising ones and their adaptation to the agro-ecological condition of Jharkhand. This can bring a substantial increase in green fodder yield and crude protein (%). Besides this, some germplasm can be selected for use as donors for many favorable traits in future breeding programs.