Technology

Development of single cross maize hybrids has received prominence in the national maize breeding strategy, since last decade.

Apart from high yielding potentiality, single cross hybrids have many desirable features such as (i) require only two parents and lesser number of isolations (ii) high acceptability among farmers. (iii) easy to market due to high uniformity (iv) low cost of production; easy to multiply and involve less labour .(v) tolerance to abiotic stresses.

Development of maize hybrids with early maturity has been the focus of maize improvement in the Division of Genetics since last decade. Currently, four hybrids and two Composites are of potential and practical utility for the farmers, and particulars regarding them are depicted. (more)