Combining ability analysis for yield and its components in popcorn (Zea mays var. everta Sturt.)

A line x tester set was obtained by crossing 8 lines with 3 testers in popcorn. The resultant 24 derived F1s were evaluatedalong with 11 parents to estimate general and specific combining ability variances and effects for 14 characters. The resultsshowed predominant role of non-additive gene action for all the characters studied. Based on both per se and gca, thegenotypes UPC 5, UPC 4, UPC 1 among lines and Amber popcorn, Bangalore popcorn among the testers were proved asgood general combiners for yield and quality traits. High per se, significant sca, standard heterosis exhibited by three hybridsviz., UPC 9 x Amber popcorn, UPC 8 x Amber popcorn and UPC 1 x UPC 6 could be used for exploitation of heterosis foryield and quality characters.