Vol. 8, Issue 11, Part J (2024)

28 maize genotypes were screened for several agronomic and yield traits for variability and diversity analysis to chalk out a strategy for selection of genotypes based on selection responsive as well as truly yield contributing traits along with the traits that help genotypes to adapt to NHZ ecology. Results revealed that the traits Plant height (PH) and Moisture percentage (MP) followed by cob weight (CW) remained important considering availability of variation under current investigation. PH was negatively correlated with ear height (EH) and positively with CW and number of cobs per plot (CN) indicating that taller plants are more prone to lodging due to shifting of centre of gravity upwards. EH was positively correlated with CN and Days to 75% dry husk(DDH) was negatively related to CW and CN which might be linked to length of vegetative growth period helping in obtaining higher yields. From path analysis it was revealed that PH, initial plant stand (PSI) and MP positively and effectively related to yield. However, DDH was negatively affecting yield. It can also be inference that hybrids can also be attempted between 4-5, 3-4, 2-3, 2-5 and 1-4. On the basis of, EH four genotypes viz KD,4, 13, 20 and 22 were selected for having low cob placement and days to sulking DTS indicating low centre of gravity and earliness. KD-6, 24 and 27 were selected on the basis of CW possessing higher yield potential. KD-15 exhibited higher shelling percentage with medium cob placement early maturity and high cob number and cob weight. It was deduced from the current experiment that there is significant variation among genotypes for several traits as indicated by analysis of variance and cluster analysis. plant height, moisture percentage were correlated to yield, however due to non-significant differences and 6 genotypes were selected on the basis of shelling percentage, ear height and cob weight.