Results on Evaluation of Agronomical Traits and Combining Ability of Maize Inbred Lines Derived from Maize Hybrids of Different Geographical Origin

Abstract

Vietnamese maize breeders have recently realized that exotic maize hybrids contributing to genetic diversity for hybrid maize development. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate agronomical traits and combining ability of 26 inbred lines derived from exotic maize hybrids of tropical and subtropical origin at Vietnam Maize Research Institute during 2008 spring and autumn seasons. Seven lines from subtropical hybrids showed good agronomical traits, good level of tolerance to abiotic stresses and high yield similar to the check DF5 (originated from VIR - temperate maize). Their general combining ability was also evaluated and two hybrid combinations, viz. T8NN/CMYT.18' (subtropical/tropical) and 0Y.87/MSTo.919 (tropical/tropical) were identified as promising hybrids