Vol. 9, Special Issue 10, Part K (2025)

The present experiment was conducted by using fifty maize genotypes and three checks at Wheat and Maize Research Unit, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. This investigation was carried out during Rabi 2024-2025 in randomized block design with two replications. A set of fifty-three maize genotypes were used to estimate genetic variability, for yield and yield attributing characters. Significant variability was observed among the genotypes for all traits studied. Traits such as grain yield per plant (34.71%), anther-silking interval (32.07%) and number of grains per ear (29.42%) exhibited high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), suggesting the presence of substantial genetic variability. High heritability estimates were recorded for most traits, with values ranging from 57% (number of cobs per plant) to 99% (plant height, ear height and number of grains per ear), indicating the effectiveness of selection based on phenotypic performance. 
Furthermore, high genetic advance as a percentage of mean was observed for grain yield per plant (70.97%), number of grains per ear (60.56%) and anther-silking interval (55.31%), signifying that these traits are primarily governed by additive gene action and can be improved through direct selection. In contrast, traits such as ear length, ear girth and number of cobs per plant showed moderate to low heritability and genetic advance, suggesting the influence of non-additive gene effects or environmental factors. Overall, the study highlights the scope for genetic improvement in maize, particularly for traits contributing directly to yield and offers valuable insights for maize breeders targeting yield enhancement through effective selection strategies.