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Estimates of Genetic Variability on Agro-Morphological Parameters of Newly Selected Maize [Zea mays L.] Landraces in Nigeria

Published in Plant (Volume 12, Issue 4)
Received: 15 November 2024     Accepted: 27 November 2024     Published: 19 December 2024
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Abstract

Agro-morphological characterizations offer resilient and strong means for the precise characterization of germplasm to be used in breeding programs. Here, agro-morphological parameters were analyzed to figure out the genetic variability within 23 maize accessions commonly grown in the maize producing states. A total of 12 important agro-morphological traits were determined in the field trails at Agas research farm, kwara state Nigeria during 2023 planting season. The experiment was conducted in a complete randomized design with three replications. The highest plant height was recorded in the Accession NG03 (187.45), thenumber of leaves per plant was highest in the accessions BA-02 and KW-03 with the mean value (17.27) respectively. The length of cob was highest in the accessions NG-03 and JG-04 (21.60). The length of husk was lowest in the accession JG-04 (24.40). The accession NG-03 can serve as a breeding tool in breeding programmes as it showed highest in some morphological parameters. Other agro-morphological parameters showed significant differences as revealed by ANOVA statistically. This study revealed some accessions with diverse morphological traits that might be used as promising parents for maize in current and future biotechnology research and breeding programmes.

Published in Plant (Volume 12, Issue 4)
DOI 10.11648/j.plant.20241204.17
Page(s) 142-148
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Maize, Land Races, Genetic Variability, Agro-morphological Parameters

1. Introduction
Maize (Zea mays L.), a staple cereal crop after wheat and rice , is also known as the "miracle crop." Belonging to the family Poaceae, maize is a short-duration, fast-growing crop that is cross-pollinated and monoecious. In Pakistan, maize is the third most important crop, with an average yield of 4.3 tons per hectare .
Maize is a highly versatile crop that can thrive in diverse conditions due to its genetic flexibility. Evaluating genetic diversity is crucial for crop improvement and can be achieved through morphological, biochemical, and molecular markers. Morphological characterization is the primary step in studying genetic variability in plants .
Identifying and producing new, resistant, and high-yielding maize lines can benefit farmers by providing them with efficient and productive varieties. Genetic diversity is a critical factor in improving maize production . Significant improvements in maize production have been reported, with yields increasing from 3415 kg/ha to 4268 kg/ha between 2008-2009 and 2012-2013 . Research indicates that the genetic variability of maize plants is closely linked to morphological features such as germination days, plant height, leaf length, and ear diameter .
To enhance maize breeding programs, it's crucial to evaluate new indigenous and exotic lines with improved yields . Genetic diversity is a fundamental tool for crop improvement, and morphological markers can effectively manage, maintain, and explain this diversity .
Numerous studies have explored variability within maize germplasm using morphological and biochemical markers. For instance, employed both morphological and molecular markers to analyze 29 inbred lines, concluding that both approaches are equally effective in determining pedigree information.
When developing maize breeding programs, it's essential to assess critical agronomic traits, including plant height, grain yield, ear length, days to 50% silking, and dry forage yield. These traits should not be compromised during the breeding process .
Despite previous investigations into genetic variability in various maize yields, including Zeya maize L. , the full extent of this diversity remains unclear. This study investigates the genetic diversity of maize accessions from northern Nigeria, collected from NARC Islamabad, through agro-morphological characterization, aiming to identify accessions with a broader genetic base for breeding programs.
2. Materials and Methods
A total of twenty-three maize accessions from the growing states in northern Nigeria were obtained from their respective Agricultural development project (ADP) in each state. The collected varieties were investigated under field trials during the rainy season between June-September of 2023, at the botanical garden of Federal University Dutse, Nigeria. The mean annual temperature and rainfall of the experimental site are 18.5°C and 1445 mm, respectively. The soil characteristics were as, soil pH (6.560), electrical conductivity (115cm), organic matter (0.43%), Potassium (0.15 cmol/kg], nitrogen (0.15%), and phosphorus (3.05mg/kg).
2.1. Seed Germination Test
100 seeds per accession were placed in sterilized petri dish for germination under laboratory condition. Germination counts were made after 7 days of sowing. Number of seeds showing germination were counted and expressed in percentage. The percentage germination were calculated using the formula below:
Germination[%]=No. of seeds germinationNo. of seeds sownx 100
2.2. Measurement of Agro-Morphological Parameters
The Agro-morphological parameters were investigated among the accessions i.e qualitative and quantitative traits, using standard procedures. Specifically, the day to Emergence (DE) were determine as the interval between sowing of seeds and day a germinating seedling emerges above soil level.
1. Plant Height (PH): Measured from ground level to the tassel base using a meter rule after the milk stage.
2. Stem Diameter (SD): Measured manually using a tape rule for each accession.
3. Number of Leaves per Plant (NL/P): Recorded for each accession after the flowering stage.
4. Length ofInternodes (LI) cm. The length of the internodes were measured using a metre rule.
5. The length of Cob per plant were measured using a metre rule.
6. The Number of Seeds per Cobwere determined by direct counting.
7. No of Row per Cob were determined by direct counting.
8. Total Seed Number Per Cob were determined by direct counting.
9. Weight of Seeds were determined using weighing balance.
10. Length of Seeds were measured in millineter.
11. Length of Hair were determined using metre rule.
12. Length ofHusk were measured using metre rule.
3. Results
3.1. Plant Height at Different Stages of Growth
The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed notable variations in plant height at maturity among the studied maize accessions. The results indicated significant differences (P<0.05) among the accessions.
The tallest accession at maturity was NG-03, which did not differ significantly (P>0.05) from BA-03. However, both accessions were significantly different from all other accessions. In contrast, the shortest accession was NA-02. Additionally, accessions NG-02, BA-02, KW-03, KD-01, KW-01, NG-01, JS-03, KD-03, JG-03, and JG-04 did not exhibit significant differences among themselves but were significantly different from the remaining accessions.
The analysis of stem thickness revealed significant variations (P<0.05) among the accessions. Notably, accessions BA-02, KW-03, and KD-02 exhibited the lowest mean stem thickness (4.88), which was significantly different from the values of all other accessions.
A significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the number of leaves per plant (NL/P) among the accessions after the flowering stage. Accession JS-01 exhibited the highest mean value (23.94), followed by accessions BA-02 and KW-03, which had identical mean values (17.27). However, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences among all accessions.
The highest accession with the length of internode was recorded in the accession NA-01, while no significant differences were observed in all the accessions.
Table 1. Morphological Characteristic of Twenty Three (23) Maize landraces.

Parameters

Plant Height

Stem Thickness

No of Leaves

Length of Internodes

NA-01

132.85±13.49abcde

6.35±0.57abc

8.00±0.77a

11.68±1.68a

NG-02

158.50±8.21abcdef

5.59±0.51ab

8.60±0.51a

11.68±1.72a

JG-04

128.91±13.97abcd

5.65±0.85ab

7.60±0.93a

12.45±1.45a

JS-01

171.20±12.25def

5.44±0.36ab

23.94±4.24c

14.73±0.51a

BA-02

150.88±5.66abcdef

4.88±0.51a

17.27±1.87b

16.41±3.08a

KW-03

150.88±5.66abcdef

4.88±0.51a

17.27±1.87b

11.38±3.00a

KD-01

161.54±7.08bcdef

5.59±0.51ab

12.08±3.35a

12.45±1.02a

NA-02

118.36±29.70a

6.10±0.48abc

8.40±0.68a

10.92±1.24a

NG-03

187.45±8.01f

6.86±0.51bc

10.40±0.51a

12.45±0.62a

JG-01

176.28±12.82ef

7.62±1.33c

11.20±0.80a

13.21±0.95a

JS-02

166.46±14.99cdef

6.96±0.68bc

10.20±0.20a

13.37±1.87a

BA-03

183.64±11.95f

7.11±0.31bc

11.00±0.84a

12.04±0.71a

KW-01

155.45±5.17abcdef

5.59±0.39ab

8.00±0.45a

11.90±0.66a

KD-02

169.67±10.97def

5.33±0.16ab

11.00±0.32a

10.84±1.36a

NA-03

125.98±4.44abc

5.59±0.51ab

8.00±1.05a

313.69±30.58b

NG-01

156.46±7.98abcdef

6.10±0.62abc

10.60±0.40a

11.43±0.80a

JG-02

134.11±6.79abcde

5.38±0.25ab

7.80±0.37a

10.26±0.33a

JS-03

153.42±17.90abcdef

6.10±0.62abc

9.20±0.37a

10.14±1.81a

BA-01

169.27±5.43cdef

6.76±0.36bc

10.00±0.45a

12.19±0.86a

KD-02

123.95±14.91ab

4.67±0.36a

8.20±0.49a

10.41±1.02a

KD-03

154.43±6.09abcdef

5.59±0.31ab

11.00±0.71a

12.19±0.51a

JG-03

150.88±13.50abcdef

5.39±0.20ab

8.40±0.51a

11.38±0.45a

KD-04

148.19±6.26abcdef

5.44±0.25ab

11.40±0.40a

11.94±1.11a

Values are Mean+Standard Error of mean. Value follow by the same superscript along the column are not significantly different at p < 0.05
3.2. Length of Cob
The analysis of variance [ANOVA] for length of cobper plant showed that the accessions varied significantly (P< 0.05). NGR-ED-49 had the highest number of fruits (21.60), however these value was significantly different from all other accessions while NGR-NG-01 had the lowest (15.40). No significant difference was observed in all other accessions statistically.
3.3. Number of Seeds Per Cob
The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the accessions varied significantly (P< 0.05) in terms of number of seeds per cob. NGR-03 had the highest numerof seeds/ cob(42.40), however this value was significantly different from all other accessions. NA-01 had the lowestNumber of seeds per cob[16.00], this value was significantly different (P< 0.05)from all the other accessions.
NG-02, JG-04, BA-02, KW-03, JG-01, JS-02, BA-03, KW-01, NA-03, NG-01, JG-02, JS-02, BA-01, JG-03, and KD-04, were statistically the same, there were no significant differences among them.
3.4. Number of Rows Per Cob
Similar trend was observed in terms number of rows per cob. The ANOVA showed no Significant differences (P< 0.05) among the accessions statistically, though little variations were recorded in their mean value.
3.5. Total Seed Number Per Cob
In terms of number of seeds per cob, accession NG-03 had the highest mean value (613.03), followed by accession KD.-03 with the value (468.80), but no significant differences were recorded in all the accessions at P>0.05 level of significant.
3.6. Weight of Seeds
The weight ofseeds per plantvaried among the accessions, NG-03produced the highest weightof seeds per plant (0.68), followed by accessionJG-01 (0.58), this value was significantly the same with NGR-NG-02, but statistically different from all other accessions. The lowest was recorded in NGR-OY-29 (62.00), but significant differences were observed in the remaining accessions statistically.
3.7. Length of Seeds Per Cob
The highestlength of seedproduced per per cob (1.10) was found in NG-03, these values were significantly higher than all other accession,. The smallest length of seeds/Cob (0.20) was recorded forKW-01. There were significant differences among other accessions statistically.
3.8. Length ofHair
Significant differences were observed among the accessions as revealed by ANOVA in length of hair, NG-03 recorded the highest mean (24.00), no significant differences were observed among the accessions; NG-02, JG-04, JS-01, NA-02, JG-01, BA-03, KW-01, NA-03, NG-01 and BA-01, but are significantly different from all other accessions.
3.9. Length of Husk
The accession JG-04 showed the lowest husk length (24.40) as revealed by ANOVA, while the highest was observed in accessionJG-01 with the mean value (34.01), these value is significantly different from the values of all other accessions statistically.
Table 2. Yield Parameters of Twenty-Three (23) Maize landraces.

Parameters

Length of Cob

No of Seed PerCob

No of Row Per Cob

Total Seed No Per Cob

Weight of Seeds

Length of Seeds

Length of Hair

Length of Husk

NA-01

16.00±1.05ab

20.80±1.85a

13.00±0.45a

269.00±22.03ab

0.34±0.04bcdef

0.46±0.04ab

12.80±1.02a

25.40±1.50ab

NG-02

19.40±1.91abcd

27.80±2.94ab

13.20±0.86a

372.60±61.21ab

0.52±0.08fgh

0.34±0.04ab

15.40±1.60ab

29.00±1.52abcde

JG-04

15.40±1.57a

24.20±4.02ab

13.40±0.87a

314.80±45.46ab

0.30±0.08abcd

0.31±0.06ab

16.60±3.08ab

24.40±0.81a

JS-01

19.20±1.11abcd

34.40±3.59bc

13.60±1.47a

457.20±47.18b

0.44±0.02cdefgh

0.40±0.00ab

17.40±1.78ab

30.00±1.92abcde

BA-02

16.40±1.44ab

27.00±2.07ab

13.40±0.60a

364.20±38.68ab

0.50±0.05efgh

0.30±0.03ab

13.20±2.60a

27.20±1.50abcd

KW-03

16.40±1.44ab

27.00±2.07ab

13.40±0.60a

364.20±38.68ab

0.50±0.05efgh

0.30±0.03ab

13.20±2.60a

27.20±1.50abcd

KD-01

17.80±0.80abcd

34.20±3.71bc

12.40±0.40a

397.60±43.02ab

0.48±0.04defgh

0.29±0.01ab

12.80±1.74a

28.80±2.99abcd

NA-02

18.40±0.98abcd

34.20±3.12bc

13.20±0.49a

446.80±31.53b

0.50±0.03efgh

0.34±0.04ab

15.20±1.74ab

30.60±1.78bcde

NG-03

21.60±1.40d

42.40±3.09c

14.40±0.98a

613.60±72.21c

0.68±0.09i

1.10±0.73c

24.00±4.56b

30.40±1.25bcde

JG-01

21.20±0.92cd

28.20±4.57ab

13.40±1.03a

381.60±77.93ab

0.58±0.06hi

0.52±0.04ab

19.80±2.40ab

34.00±1.05e

JS-02

17.33±1.76abc

26.33±3.28ab

14.33±0.88a

380.00±62.86ab

0.23±0.03ab

0.47±0.07ab

14.00±2.31a

28.00±0.58abcd

BA-03

17.70±0.58abc

28.00±3.36ab

12.80±0.49a

363.60±54.69ab

0.26±0.02abc

0.44±0.07ab

16.60±2.34ab

26.40±1.43abcd

KW-01

16.90±0.84ab

27.20±2.85ab

14.00±1.10a

370.40±20.99ab

0.14±0.02a

0.20±0.00a

20.60±4.18ab

31.90±1.83cde

KD-02

18.00±1.30abcd

32.20±3.95b

14.40±1.17a

453.60±45.88b

0.38±0.02bcdefg

0.40±0.00ab

14.20±2.65a

27.80±1.11abcd

NA-03

16.50±1.02ab

28.80±1.98ab

14.00±0.63a

402.80±31.39ab

0.38±0.04bcdefg

0.48±0.06ab

16.90±1.63ab

29.00±0.00abcde

NG-01

17.10±0.87ab

30.00±2.17ab

12.00±0.71a

357.00±25.43ab

0.32±0.04bcde

0.48±0.04ab

19.00±4.15ab

28.10±2.88abcd

JG-02

16.20±1.32ab

25.00±1.82ab

12.20±0.80a

305.00±28.22ab

0.32±0.06bcde

0.50±0.03ab

14.10±3.02a

26.00±0.77abc

JS-03

17.80±0.92abcd

28.40±2.25ab

14.40±1.47a

408.00±53.01ab

0.38±0.06bcdefg

0.46±0.02ab

14.20±1.98a

31.68±1.71cde

BA-01

17.80±1.66abcd

27.00±4.34ab

11.40±0.98a

303.60±48.92ab

0.38±0.04bcdefg

0.80±0.00bc

18.70±4.00ab

31.10±2.35bcde

KD-02

20.00±0.84bcd

32.20±3.18b

12.40±0.40a

400.40±43.49ab

0.34±0.04bcdef

0.56±0.04ab

12.60±0.93a

26.40±2.46abcd

KD-03

18.60±0.58abcd

32.00±2.65b

14.40±1.17a

468.80±68.51b

0.36±0.10bcdef

0.56±0.04ab

15.40±2.73ab

32.20±1.89de

JG-03

16.00±0.45ab

29.00±2.37ab

13.00±0.63a

372.60±21.77ab

0.30±0.03abcd

0.40±0.00ab

14.30±2.66a

26.60±1.38abcd

KD-04

16.68±0.29ab

24.40±4.27ab

13.40±0.40a

323.80±50.57ab

0.56±0.04ghi

0.54±0.05ab

19.50±2.43ab

28.10±0.81abcd

Values are Mean+Standard Error of mean. Value follow by the same superscript along the column are not significantly different at p < 0.05
4. Discussion
Morphological comparisons were made to know the extent of variation among maize varieties under investigation to estimate the genetic variability. Statistical analysis of the data reflected a high level of variation for all the Agro-morphological traits. This is in agreement with the results reported by . For this purpose, researchers are constantly studying wild and common varieties using cutting-edge breeding techniques.
Plant height is a critical morphological trait in maize (Zea mays) that significantly impacts yield potential, lodging resistance, and adaptation to different environments . Maize plant height is determined by the length of its stem internodes and is influenced by genetics, environment, and management practices . Optimal plant height varies depending on factors like climate, soil type, and management practices . Researchers have identified quantitative trait loci [QTL] associated with plant height, enabling marker-assisted selection for improved height traits .
High variability for important agronomic traits, i.e. plant height, ear length, seed weight, length of husk in our investigation was also supported by the results of previous studies .
Stem thickness is a critical morphological trait in maize [Zea mays] that affects plant stability, lodging resistance, and yield potential . Thicker stems provide mechanical support, reducing lodging and improving harvest ability . Stem thickness is influenced by genetics, environment, and management practices, such as nitrogen application and water availability . Thicker stems can lead to increased water and nutrient uptake, improving drought tolerance and yield stability . The number of leaves in maize [Zea mays] is a critical morphological trait that affects photosynthetic capacity, plant growth, and yield potential . Maize plants typically have between 8-20 leaves, with the exact number influenced by genetics, environment, and management practices . Increasing leaf number can enhance photosynthesis, leading to improved plant growth and yield . The length of internodes in maize [Zea mays] is a critical morphological trait that affects plant height, stem strength, and yield potential . Internode length is the distance between two consecutive nodes on the stem, and it is influenced by genetics, environment, and management practices . Longer internodes can lead to increased plant height, improved stem strength, and enhanced yield potential . Breeding programs aim to balance internode length with other traits to optimize yield and adaptability. For example, drought-tolerant maize varieties often have shorter internodes to reduce water loss .
Variations in the length of the cob in maize [Zea mays L] might be as a result of environmental factor, these has also been reported by , who opined in their research thatCob length is influenced by genetics, environment, and management practices, such as nitrogen application and water availability. also reported that agro-morphological parameters such as longer cobs in maizecan lead to increased yield potential, improved ear shape, and enhanced grain arrangement.
It is important to note that the number of rows per cob in maize [Zea maysL] is a critical trait that affects grain yield, ear shape, and seed arrangement . Row number per cob is influenced by genetics, environment, and management practices, such as nitrogen application and water availability as reported by . Increased row number per cob can lead to higher grain yields, improved ear filling, and enhanced yield stability . However, excessive row number can result in reduced seed size, lower grain quality, and decreased yield . Variations in cob length observed in this study might be as a result of varietal differences; this is also in conformity with the earlier research by Asmaet al.,(2024) who also reported in their study of some maize accessions in Brazil.
The number of seeds per cob in maize [Zea mays] is a critical yield component that significantly impacts grain yield and productivity . Seed number per cob is influenced by genetics, environment, and management practices, such as nitrogen application and water availability . Increased seed number per cob can lead to higher grain yields, improved ear filling, and enhanced yield stability . However, excessive seed number can result in reduced seed size, lower grain quality, and decreased yield . The weight of seeds in maize is a complex trait influenced by multiple factors. Understanding the genetics and physiology of seed weight can help breeders develop optimal yield traits for diverse environments, balancing yield potential and stress tolerance Optimal seed weight varies depending on factors like climate, soil type, and plant density .
The length of seeds in maize is a complex trait influenced by multiple factors. Increased seed length can lead to higher grain yields, improved seed quality, and enhanced yield stability . However, excessive seed length can result in reduced seed number, lower grain yield, and decreased yield .
Husk length is a quantitative trait that can vary significantly among different maize genotypes . research has shown that husk length can influence various aspects of maize growth and development, such as: Ear protection and moisture retention, Pest and disease resistance and Grain yield and quality . Present results for husk length showed resemblance with the findings of , who reported a significant amount of variability for husk length.
The current research work all presented some accessions with diverse morphological traits that might be used as promising parents for maize in future biotechnology research and breeding programmes.
Abbreviations

NARC

National Agricultural Research Center

Author Contributions
Mariam Nnafatima Imam: Conceptualization Data curation, Funding acquisition, Methodology, Resources, Visualization, Writing – original draft
Ibrahim Olanya Bwalya: Investigation Methodology, Project administration, Validation, Writing – review & editing
YahayaSadiq Abdulrahman: Data curation, Project administration, Supervision, Validation, Writing – review & editing
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declareno conflicts of interest.
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    Imam, M. N., Olanya, I., Abdulrahman, Y. S. (2024). Estimates of Genetic Variability on Agro-Morphological Parameters of Newly Selected Maize [Zea mays L.] Landraces in Nigeria. Plant, 12(4), 142-148. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.plant.20241204.17

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    Imam, M. N.; Olanya, I.; Abdulrahman, Y. S. Estimates of Genetic Variability on Agro-Morphological Parameters of Newly Selected Maize [Zea mays L.] Landraces in Nigeria. Plant. 2024, 12(4), 142-148. doi: 10.11648/j.plant.20241204.17

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    AMA Style

    Imam MN, Olanya I, Abdulrahman YS. Estimates of Genetic Variability on Agro-Morphological Parameters of Newly Selected Maize [Zea mays L.] Landraces in Nigeria. Plant. 2024;12(4):142-148. doi: 10.11648/j.plant.20241204.17

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  • @article{10.11648/j.plant.20241204.17,
      author = {Mariam Nnafatima Imam and Ibrahim Olanya and Yahaya Sadiq Abdulrahman},
      title = {Estimates of Genetic Variability on Agro-Morphological Parameters of Newly Selected Maize [Zea mays L.] Landraces in Nigeria
    },
      journal = {Plant},
      volume = {12},
      number = {4},
      pages = {142-148},
      doi = {10.11648/j.plant.20241204.17},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.plant.20241204.17},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.plant.20241204.17},
      abstract = {Agro-morphological characterizations offer resilient and strong means for the precise characterization of germplasm to be used in breeding programs. Here, agro-morphological parameters were analyzed to figure out the genetic variability within 23 maize accessions commonly grown in the maize producing states. A total of 12 important agro-morphological traits were determined in the field trails at Agas research farm, kwara state Nigeria during 2023 planting season. The experiment was conducted in a complete randomized design with three replications. The highest plant height was recorded in the Accession NG03 (187.45), thenumber of leaves per plant was highest in the accessions BA-02 and KW-03 with the mean value (17.27) respectively. The length of cob was highest in the accessions NG-03 and JG-04 (21.60). The length of husk was lowest in the accession JG-04 (24.40). The accession NG-03 can serve as a breeding tool in breeding programmes as it showed highest in some morphological parameters. Other agro-morphological parameters showed significant differences as revealed by ANOVA statistically. This study revealed some accessions with diverse morphological traits that might be used as promising parents for maize in current and future biotechnology research and breeding programmes.
    },
     year = {2024}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Estimates of Genetic Variability on Agro-Morphological Parameters of Newly Selected Maize [Zea mays L.] Landraces in Nigeria
    
    AU  - Mariam Nnafatima Imam
    AU  - Ibrahim Olanya
    AU  - Yahaya Sadiq Abdulrahman
    Y1  - 2024/12/19
    PY  - 2024
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.plant.20241204.17
    DO  - 10.11648/j.plant.20241204.17
    T2  - Plant
    JF  - Plant
    JO  - Plant
    SP  - 142
    EP  - 148
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2331-0677
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.plant.20241204.17
    AB  - Agro-morphological characterizations offer resilient and strong means for the precise characterization of germplasm to be used in breeding programs. Here, agro-morphological parameters were analyzed to figure out the genetic variability within 23 maize accessions commonly grown in the maize producing states. A total of 12 important agro-morphological traits were determined in the field trails at Agas research farm, kwara state Nigeria during 2023 planting season. The experiment was conducted in a complete randomized design with three replications. The highest plant height was recorded in the Accession NG03 (187.45), thenumber of leaves per plant was highest in the accessions BA-02 and KW-03 with the mean value (17.27) respectively. The length of cob was highest in the accessions NG-03 and JG-04 (21.60). The length of husk was lowest in the accession JG-04 (24.40). The accession NG-03 can serve as a breeding tool in breeding programmes as it showed highest in some morphological parameters. Other agro-morphological parameters showed significant differences as revealed by ANOVA statistically. This study revealed some accessions with diverse morphological traits that might be used as promising parents for maize in current and future biotechnology research and breeding programmes.
    
    VL  - 12
    IS  - 4
    ER  - 

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  • Abstract
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    1. 1. Introduction
    2. 2. Materials and Methods
    3. 3. Results
    4. 4. Discussion
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