Riboflavin and cultivars affecting genetic parameters in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The current research was conducted in the fields of the College of Agriculture, University of Anbar (AlHamidhiya Research Station) during the spring and fall seasons of 2018. The treatment combinations were randomly distributed in three replicates of randomized complete block design (RCBD) according to split plot arrangement, where four concentrations (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg l-1) of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) occupied the main plots, while the four maize cultivars (5012, Alrabee, Alnoor and Safa) were placed in the sub plots. This investigation was launched to estimate the genetic variation of yield and its contributors in four maize cultivars under four concentrations of sprayed riboflavin. The yield and its components were studied in terms of both, performance and variations, accordingly genetic and environmental variations, in addition to the broad sense heritability were estimated. The highest ratios of genetic to environmental variation were 13 and 9.3 exhibited by grains per row and grain weight, respectively. The same two traits showed the highest values of broad sense heritability (92.79% and 90.00%, respectively). However, Safa cv. was outperformed by revealing the highest 250 grain weight (51.2 g) and a yield of 121.51 g plant-1 in the fall season. The concentrations of sprayed riboflavin significantly affected most of the studied traits in both spring and fall growing seasons. The two practiced factors have significantly interacted in most of the investigated traits. It can be concluded that the yield components are mainly controlled by the heredity factors, thus the adoption of grains per row and grain weight will be more efficient for assessing the yield potential in maize crop.