Diallel Analysis of Maize Inbreds for Grain Yield, Protein and Tryptophan Content

ADOPTION of quality protein maize in Egyptian maize breeding programs would maximize the nutritional value of maize products. However, the assessment of adaptability of exotic quality protein maize germplasms is an important step before incorporating them in breeding programs. The current studies consisted of two experiments including a preliminary evaluation of some exotic quality protein maize inbreds and combine eight adapted elite inbreds into a half-diallel cross. The current study revealed that CML158 exhibited the highest significant general combining ability effect with an average grain yield/plant of 53.0g. While CML492 contained the highest percentages of both protein (14.5%) and tryptophan (1.02%) with the highest values of general combining ability effects. Based on specific combining ability, the best parental combination for grain yield/plant was CML182×CML184, which yielded 239g and exceeded the average grain yield/plant of all hybrids (201.5g). It seems that CML143 possesses favorable alleles for increasing the percentage of protein (CML143×CML557) and tryptophan (CML158×CML491 and CML143×CML182) because it was a common parent in the best parental combinations for both traits. Mid-parent heterosis % varied from trait to trait; however, the highest amount of heterosis was detected in grain yield/plant due to its polygenic state. In conclusion, superior hybrids in yield and quality were detected. These hybrids need further evaluations across years and locations to assess stability. These hybrids can be considered as a cheap and sustainable source of high protein and tryptophan content for human consumption, which might play a magnificent role in food security in Egypt.