Dus Characterization in Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines
I. Sudhir Kumar *
ANGRAU-ARS, Peddapuram, Kakinada District, India.
P. Kireeti Varma
ANGRAU-Agricultural College, Bapatla, India.
G. Prasanthi
ANGRAU-ARS, Peddapuram, Kakinada District, India.
V. Sujatha
ANGRAU-ARS, Peddapuram, Kakinada District, India.
M. Ramabhadra Raju
ANGRAU-ARS, Peddapuram, Kakinada District, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A field investigation was conducted during Rabi 2024–25 at the Agricultural Research Station, Peddapuram, Andhra Pradesh, to characterize 70 maize inbred lines based on Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) traits. The experiment was laid out in an Alpha Lattice Design with two replications, following standard spacing and agronomic practices. Observations were recorded on 27 DUS traits, including phenological, morphological, leaf, tassel, ear, kernel and root characters. Ear traits such as length, diameter, shape, and position revealed significant diversity. Genotypes like PL 23681, PL 23605, PL 23569, and IMLSB 343-3 exhibited long ears, which are beneficial for yield. The variation observed among all the DUS traits in the maize inbreds provides a valuable resource for hybrid development, varietal registration, and trait-based breeding programs. This diversity supports future research aimed at improving maize for yield, adaptability, and the identification of superior and protectable varieties suited to varied agronomic conditions.
Keywords: Inbred, phenological, morphological and maize