New Maize Inbred Lines in Rwanda Show High Yield Potential
The researchers studied different maize plants in Rwanda to see which ones work best together to make high-yielding hybrids. They crossed 19 inbred lines with 4 testers and found that both additive and non-additive genes play a role in grain yield. Inbred line 8 had the best genetic effects for yield, while the cross 18xT1 showed the highest effects for yield. Most inbred lines showed positive heterosis with all testers, especially with tester T2 and then T3. The combination of inbred line 8 with tester 3 had the highest heterosis. Different heterotic groups were identified based on standard heterosis and specific combining ability effects. This information will help improve maize breeding programs in Rwanda and aid in developing high-yielding maize varieties.