Evaluation of QPM (Zea mays) genotypes for grain-yield and quality traits under different water stress conditions

The effects of different moisture stress conditions on performance of 85 quality protein maize (QPM) genotypes were measured. Significant variations among the genotypes were observed for grain yield/plant and quality traits (protein, lysine & tryptophan). The study showed that hybrids NP-06-07R-74-10-1-1 x HO6R-6136-64-1-4-1 and NP-06-07R -73-6-1#1 x HO6R-6136-64-1-4-1 gave superior performance in all the environments with respect to yield, economic heterosis and percentage loss in stress. The inbreds viz., (CML 161 X CLQ-6203) B-4-1-1-B-2-B-1 and HO6R-6136-64-1-4-1 were best for grain yield, while, the inbreds NP-06-07R -76-11-2-1, NP-06-07R -73-6-1#1 and (CML 161 X CLQ-6203)B-4-1-1-B-2-B-1 were best for both lysine and tryptophan. The correlation between different moisture stress conditions and quality traits was positive. A single cross hybrid NP-06-07R -73-6-1#1 x HO6R-6136-64-1-4-1 was identified as superior for grain yield/plant, Lysine and tryptophan contents in all the environments as compared to best check HQPM-5.