ASSESSMENT OF GENETIC COMPONENTS FOR DIFFERENT TRAITS IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.).

A complete 6 x 6 diallel mating design was followed to assess the genetic components for different traits in maize (Zea mays L.). Parents and F1 generations were sown in RCBD with three replications in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2012. The data regarding plant height, leaf area, number of kernels per ear, stomatal size, stomatal frequency, leaf venation and 100-grain weight in maize were recorded at maturity to assess the genetic components and combining abilities. Analysis of variance was done to assess the significance of genetic differences among genotypes. Graphical approach used for diallel studies showed that most of the traits studied were under control of additive gene action. Plant height, leaf area, stomatal frequency and stomatal size were found under control of non-additive gene action. Whereas ear diameter, ear length, number of kernels per ear, number of kernels per row, leaf venation and 100-grain weight were under control of additive gene action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]