Estimation of heterosis through diallel crosses in maize (Zea mays L.) for grain yield and protein content

The experiment comprised of twenty one maize hybrids generated from a 7 X 7 diallel cross, along with their parents and two standard check hybrids (Gujarat Maize 3 and HQPM 1). The analysis of variance revealed that all the characters studied exhibited highly significant genotypic differences. This indicated that experimental material under study had sufficient genetic diversity for different traits among females, males, hybrids and checks.