Performance of Various Sweet Corn Genotypes under the Agro-climatic Conditions of Nowshera

Abstract

This experiment was conducted at Cereal Crop Research Institute, Nowshera during the summer cropping season, 2021. The experiment consisted of five sweet corn genotypes which were planted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in triplicate. Data on days to 50% pollen shedding, days to 50% silking, plant height, plant population ha-1, ears height, ears ha-1 and grain yield were recorded. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences for all the traits under study except plant population ha-1. The data was also subjected to genetic analysis including variances (genetic, environmental and phenotypic), heritability and genetic advance. Among the sweet corn genotypes, G-1 was found early in 50% pollen shedding (59.3 days) and 50% silking (62.6 days). The genotype, G-2 produced short stature plants (92.2 cm). The genotype, G-3 produced ears at the middle position with a value of
33.90 cm. The genotype, G-5 among the sweet corn genotypes yielded greater ears ha-1 (40889 ears ha-1) and higher grain yield (6041 kg ha-1). Genetic variance (3.58) for days to 50% pollen shedding was greater than environmental variance (0.9) which indicated that the aforementioned trait was under the control of genes. The trait of days to 50% silking was less influenced by the environment due to the high value of genetic variance. High values of genetic variance for ear height and grain yield exhibited the traits under the control of genes. On the basis of superior performance among the sweet corn genotypes, the genotypes, G-5 followed by G-3 are recommended for further improvement in future breeding programs.