Abstract

Salva G. Mustafa Manute C. Gaafar and Ismail J. Haitham

Nine open-pollinated maize genotypes were evaluated for two seasons in 2007/08 and 2008/09 at the experimental farm, University of Sudan Science and Technology, Shambat. The study was conducted to assess the magnitude of genetic variability in maize genotypes for vegetative, yield and yield components under field conditions. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used for laying out the experiment. The results showed that there were non-significant differences-1 for most character under study, except the plant height, stem diameter, number of rows cob and ear length in the first season and for days until 50% flowering and 100-seed weight in the second season. Frantic genotype had maximum average seed weight (426.8g) in the first season while Huediba-1 had maximum seed weight (590.2g) in the second season. Giza 2 genotype had maximum grain yield (0.821 ton/ha) in the first season, while maximum grain yield ton/ha was recorded in Panama (0.456 ton/ha). Data recorded for heritability showed that stem diameter had maximum heritability (67.02%) in the first season while the maximum heritability (84.57%) was recorded for days to 50% flowering in the second season. The present study revealed considerable amount of diversity among the tested populations which could be manipulated for further improvement in maize breeding.