Genetic Analysis of Seed Size, Maturity Class and Seed Coat Colour in Tropical Maize Inbred Lines for Yield Improvement

Maize has potential for contributing to food security, but several challenges confronting its production has resulted in low yield in sub-Saharan Africa. The role of seed parameters in maize breeding is vital, but there is dearth of information on genetic basis of seed-size, maturity class (MC), and seed coat colour (SCC). Hence, a study was carried out to investigate genetic analysis and relationship between these seed parameters with seed yield (SY). Twenty-four (24) maize inbreds, classified based on MC and SCC were grouped as small seed-size (SSS) (<25 g) and large seed-size (LSS) (≥25 g) based on 100-seed weight. The inbreds were evaluated in 2023 and 2024 planting seasons in the field. Data collected on agronomic traits were subjected to analysis of variance, correlation and genetic analyses. Results obtained revealed that inbreds had average SY of 451.31 kg.ha⁻¹. Late-maturing inbreds with LSS performed better than other maturity class for SY. Also, inbreds with white seed coat out-yielded yellow seed coat, though not significant. A significant and positive relationship existed between seeds-size and MC with SY. Magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all parameters and moderate broad-sense heritability was obtained for SY in both seed-size (49.08%) and MC (50.88%). This study has provided information on how to optimize multiple traits for improved productivity. Therefore, inbred TZEE-W-POP-STR-C6 with white seed coat and LSS had the highest SY. Thus, it is a candidate for the development of high yielding and extra-early hybrids in improvement programs.