Combining ability and gene action of grain yield and kernel quality traits in sweet corn (Zea mays L.)

Inheritance studies on five kernel quality traits, flowering parameters, field emergence and grain yield were conducted in a half diallel of six sweet corn inbred lines. The parents and their crosses showed significant genetic variation for the traits studied. Hayman analysis revealed non-allelic interaction or epistasis for days to tasseling, field emergence, plant height and grain yield. Prevalence of overdominance was observed for most of the traits, whereas partial dominance was observed in reducing sugar and complete dominance in non-reducing sugar. Both additive as well as non-additive gene action was important for all the traits as gca and sea variances were significant. Dominant alleles were more frequent in parental lines for plant height, grain weight and all quality traits. The cross SCI 301 x SCI 306 was identified as best specific combiner with highest mean value for grain yield with 13.74% total sugar content, hence, can be advocated for evaluation under different environment. for its suitability and adaptability.