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Vol. 5(3), pp. 421-428, November, 2018. © www.premierpublishers.org. ISSN: 2167-0449
Research Article
A study to characterize and determine the magnitude of genetic variation among 60 open-
pollinated maize varieties was conducted at two contrasting locations in Sierra Leone during the
2015 wet cropping season. Results revealed that traits such as grain moisture content, anthesis-
silking interval, plant and ear heights, number of ears harvested, field weight and grain yield
showed moderate to high values of the components of genetic variation while days to 50%
anthesis and silking revealed low values of the components of genetic variation. The first two
PCA axes explained 54% of the total variation, of which the first principal component (PC1)
accounted for 35% and PC2 contributed 19% of the total variation. The cluster diagram grouped
the genotypes into seven main clusters and results suggest that crosses involving clusters I and
V with any other clusters would produce segregants with low grain yields while the crosses
between clusters IV, VI and VII would be expected to manifest higher heterosis and could result
in segregants with higher grain yields. There was significant genetic variability observed among
the genotypes evaluated thereby suggest the scope to bring about traits improvement of
genotypes through direct selection and hybridization.
INTRODUCTION
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the second most important cereal 2017). The choice of germplasm is fundamental and
crop grown in Sierra Leone after rice, the country’s staple. decisive in any plant breeding program, which is aimed at
The crop is cherished by Sierra Leoneans and is grown in the development of open pollinated varieties or obtains
homesteads in the uplands during the raining season and pure lines for use in hybridization (Baretta et al., 2016).
inland valley swamps in the dry season (MAFFS, 2005). It Open populations contain a gene pool with high value and
has a very high commercial value when compared with represent important source of genetic variability that can
other food crops grown in the country contributing to be explored in the search for genes of tolerance and/or
poverty alleviation. Maize grain yields are generally low resistance to biotic and abiotic factors (Araújo and Nass,
with national average of 2t/ha (USDA, 2015). The low grain 2002).
yields may be attributed to inadaptable maize varieties,
varietal mixtures in the hands of farmers, low reactions to
insect pests and diseases and abiotic factors. The demand
for maize in Sierra Leone is rising as the human and *Corresponding Author: Sayo Sesay, Crop
livestock population increases. This rise means Improvement Programme, Rokupr Agricultural Research
developing new cultivars that will meet the growing Center, Rokupr - Sierra Leone Agricultural Research
demand of the Sierra Leone population. Institute, PMB 1313, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Tel: +23278084923 Email: osaiosesay@yahoo.com.
However, genetic resources are the most valuable and Co-Author 2
Tel: +23276661369; Email:
essential basic raw material to meet the current and future 2
alphabjalloh@yahoo.co.uk; 3Tel: +23288069592
needs for genetic improvement of any crop (Kaur et al., 3kamara.nabieu@yahoo.com
Genetic Variability and Morphological Diversity among Open-Pollinated Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties
Sesay et al. 422
Genetic variation among traits is important for breeding applied at the rate of 120 kg N/ha, 60 kg P2O5/ha and 60
and in selecting desirable types (Astereki et al., 2017). kg K2O/ha. The nitrogen fertilizer was applied in two splits
Characterization studies allow pointing out the variability - two and six weeks after planting. Two hand weeding was
pattern of the most significant variables and establishing done at two and six weeks after planting at the two
groups of accessions with similar traits. Assessment of locations.
genetic diversity, relationships, and structure within a
given set of germplasm is useful in plant breeding. The Data collection of morphological traits
genetic improvement through hybridization and selection
depends upon the extent of genetic diversity between Data were recorded on the following traits:
parents. Assessment of germplasm diversity by a. Days to 50% anthesis: Observations were recorded on
morphological descriptors still remains the only traditional plot basis in days from sowing date to the date when
and legitimate marker type accepted by the International 50% of the plants had started shedding pollens.
Union for Protection of new Varieties (UPOV, 2009) b. Days to 50% silking: Observations were recorded on
(Ghixari et al., 2014). The use of morphological descriptors plot basis in days from sowing date to the date when
is unavoidable for DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and 50% of the plants had emerged silks.
Stability) testing and in the procedures for protection of c. Anthesis and silking intervals: Observations were
varieties (Cupic et al., 2009). recorded on plot basis in days as the difference
between days to anthesis and silking.
However, there is inadequate information regarding the d. Plant height: Average height of ten randomly selected
amount of genetic variation in maize germplasm arrays to plants measured in centimetres (cm) from the base of
make important consideration for effective and efficient the plant to where tassel branching began.
utilization of germplasm resources in Sierra Leone. This e. Ear height: Average height of ten randomly selected
study was therefore conducted in open-pollinated maize plants measured in cm from the base of the plant to the
varieties, with broad genetic base, to characterize node bearing the upper ear.
genotypes for desirable attributes and identify promising f. Number of ears harvested: Average number of ears
sources of variability, which could be exploited in breeding harvested per plot counted at harvest.
programmes. g. Grain moisture content - Was determined at harvest for
each plot, grains were shelled from ten randomly
selected ears and uniformly mixed to record the percent
MATERIALS AND METHODS grain moisture using a digital moisture tester.
h. Field weight: Was measured in kilogram (kg) per plot
Description of test locations for each entry at harvest of dehusked ears using a
measuring balance.
Field experiments were conducted at two different i. Grain yield: Grain yield in kgha-1 (later converted into
locations (Newton and Kalangba) during the wet cropping t/ha) was calculated for every entry from the data of field
season of 2015 in Sierra Leone. Location Newton weight per plot using the following formula (Rahman et
(8°20'6.6''N, 13°0'29.9''W, and 36m above sea level) is al., 2007):
situated in the Western Rural Area of Sierra Leone and 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (𝑘𝑔/𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑡)𝑋(100−𝑀𝐶)𝑋 0.8 𝑋 10,000
Grain yield (kgha-1)= (1000.8)𝑋
received an annual rainfall and temperature of 3392mm 7.5
Genetic Variability and Morphological Diversity among Open-Pollinated Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 423
Table 2: Form of ANOVA for the combined location data used in the study
Source of variation Df Mean squares Variance component F: ratio
Location (L) l–1 M1 (M1 + M5)/(M2+M4)
Replication (Location) (r-1) l M2
Genotype (G) g–1 M3 (M3 – M4)/ rl M3/M4
Genotype x Location Interaction (G x L) (g-1)(l-1) M4 (M4 – M5)/r M4/M5
Pooled error (r-1)(g-1)l M5 M5
Source: Mclntosh (1983)
The genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation as a percentage of the genotypes mean. This was
(PCV and GCV) to compare the variation among traits categorized as high when it is above 20%, moderate, 10-
were estimated for each location according to the 20% and low when it is less than 10%.
procedure outlined by Johnson et al. (1955). PCV and
GCV values were categorized as low when less than 10%, Principal component and cluster analysis were performed
moderate, 10-20% and high, greater than 20% as for combined locations data to establish the importance of
indicated by Deshmukh et al. (1986). Broad-sense agro-morphological traits in explaining multivariate
heritability was estimated according to the procedure polymorphism and group sets of genotypes into
suggested by Singh and Chaudhary (1985). Heritability homogenous cluster. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was
percentage was categorized as low when less than 30%, also performed for each of the two locations tested to
moderate, 30-60% and high, greater than 60%. Genetic determine traits association with grain yield. The Statistical
advance values were determined by the formula illustrated Tool for Agricultural Research (STAR, 2014), version 2.0.1
by Johnson et al. (1955). Genetic advance was expressed was used for the analysis.
Genetic Variability and Morphological Diversity among Open-Pollinated Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties
Sesay et al. 424
Table 3: Analysis of variance showing mean squares of nine traits for 60 open-pollinated maize varieties evaluated at
Newton and Kalangba, 2015.
Anthesis No. of
- Silking Plant Ear Ears Grain Field Grain
Source of variation df Anthesis Silking Interval Height Height Harvested Moisture weight yield
Location (L) 1 2265.03** 2305.34** 0.18 32680.3** 49679** 9912** 10886.7** 465.58** 37.96**
Replication(Location) 4 2.79* 2.46* 0.04 16.5* 1.6 0.82 0.2 0.014 0.012
Genotype (G) 59 16.53 17.1 0.42 557.6 127.2 22.76 23.5 0.28 0.31
Genotype x Location
Interaction (G x L) 59 15.32** 14.84** 0.40** 602.8** 174.5** 44.38** 23.6** 0.403** 0.48**
Error 236 0.96 0.92 0.06 5.70 2.10 1.02 1.20 0.01 0.01
Total 359
*, ** significant at probability level of 0.05 and 0.01, respectively.
Table 4: Components of variation of 60 open-pollinated maize varieties for nine traits evaluated at Newton and Kalangba,
2015.
Std.
Trait Min. Max. Mean Dev. PCV GCV H (%) GAM (%)
Location Newton
Anthesis 40 52 47.5 1.8 3.8 3.2 69.2 5.5
Silking 44 55 50.7 1.7 3.4 2.8 67.1 4.7
ASI 2 4 3.2 0.4 12.5 10.4 56.8 14.6
Plant Height 172 186 180.2 3.1 1.7 1.3 55.8 1.9
Ear Height 73 88 83.5 3.1 3.7 3.4 86.2 6.5
No. of Ears Harvested 32 43 37.0 2.3 6.3 5.7 81.9 10.6
Grain Moisture 20.8 39.4 30.7 4.1 13.6 12.6 85.9 24.0
Field weight 4.4 5.5 4.9 0.2 4.4 3.8 77.1 7.0
Grain yield 2.4 4 3.1 0.3 9.5 8.7 83.3 16.3
Location Kalangba
Anthesis 46 63 52.5 2.9 5.6 5.3 89.6 9.9
Silking 50 67 55.7 3.0 5.2 5.0 90.3 9.7
ASI 2 4 3.2 0.5 14.1 11.8 70.2 20.4
Plant Height 105 200 161.1 19.5 12.2 12.1 98.1 24.6
Ear Height 35 83 60.0 9.6 16.2 15.9 97.0 32.3
No. of Ears Harvested 13 37 26.5 4.3 16.1 15.7 94.2 31.3
Grain Moisture 19.5 19.9 19.7 0.1 0.5 0.4 67.9 0.7
Field weight 1.1 3.6 2.6 0.4 17.2 16.6 93.4 33.1
Grain yield 1.1 3.5 2.5 0.4 17.7 17.1 93.3 34.0
PCV = phenotypic coefficient of variation, GCV = genotypic coefficient of variation, H (%) = broad sense heritability, GAM
(%) = genetic advance as percent of mean.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION This showed a negative effect on the heritability of most
traits (plant height, ear height, number of ears harvested,
Analysis of variance grain moisture, field weight and grain yield) evaluated, and
according to Yan and Kang (2003), the larger the sum of
Table 3 presents the analysis of variance showing mean squares of the genotype x environment interaction when
squares of nine traits for 60 open-pollinated maize compared with that of the genotypes, the more negative
varieties evaluated at two locations. Effects due to effects would manifest on the traits under consideration.
locations and genotype x location interaction were Consequently, data of genotypes for genetic variation
statistically different for all the traits assessed, except components were analysed separately for the two
anthesis-silking interval which showed none significant locations tested.
difference in location main effect. Significant effect due to
genotype x environment interaction indicates that some Genetic variation of traits
genotypes had consistent mean traits performance
whereas some performed differently in the two locations Components of variation of 60 open-pollinated maize
tested. Results also revealed that the magnitude of varieties for nine traits are shown in Table 4. The reliability
genotype x environment interaction contributed to the total of a parameter to be selected for breeding programme
treatment sum of squares was larger than that of among other factors is dependent on the magnitude of its
genotypes. coefficient of variations (CV) especially the genotypic
Genetic Variability and Morphological Diversity among Open-Pollinated Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 425
coefficient of variation (GCV) (Bello et al., 2012). Results maize genotypes. The first principal component (PC1)
revealed considerable range of variation for all the traits contributed 35% whereas PC2, PC3 and PC4 contributed
evaluated in each of the two locations, indicating enough 19%, 18% and 12%, respectively of the total variation. The
scope for bringing about genetic improvement of the traits. traits which contributed more positively to PC1 are number
There were slight differences observed between of ears harvested, field weight and grain yield. Traits such
phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation values for as anthesis, silking, anthesis-silking interval, plant and ear
all of the traits in each of the locations, suggesting that the heights, and grain moisture contributed more positively to
environments had minimal influence in the expression of PC2. Anthesis-silking interval, plant and ear heights
the traits. Similar results have been reported by Bello et al. contributed more positively to PC3 whereas plant and ear
(2012) and Nelson and Somers (1992). Generally, heights and grain yield contributed more positively to PC4.
phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation and It was observed that grain yield and yield-related traits
genetic advance values were observed to be low in most contributed more to the first principal component while the
of the traits measured in location Newton and high in other agronomic traits contributed more to the second
location Kalangba. Heritability values were observed to be principal component.
high in most traits in the two different locations. Anthesis-
silking interval measured in location Newton showed Table 5: Principal component analysis of 60 open-
moderate values for phenotypic and genotypic coefficient pollinated maize varieties for nine traits evaluated at
of variation, heritability and genetic advance. This Newton and Kalangba, 2015.
indicates that the trait is controlled by both additive and Statistics PC1 PC2 PC3 PC4
non-additive gene effects, and that phenotypic Standard deviation 1.78 1.31 1.28 1.03
performance of this trait can be achieved through careful Proportion of Variance 0.35 0.19 0.18 0.12
selection. Grain moisture content measured in location Cumulative Proportion 0.35 0.54 0.72 0.84
Newton; anthesis-silking interval, plant and ear heights, Eigen Values 3.19 1.71 1.63 1.06
number of ears harvested, field weight and grain yield in Eigen Vectors
location Kalangba showed moderate phenotypic and Variables
genotypic coefficient of variation, and high heritability and Anthesis -0.33 0.35 -0.50 0.15
genetic advance values. This suggests that these traits Silking -0.34 0.39 -0.44 0.13
were mainly governed by additive gene actions and direct ASI -0.08 0.36 0.40 -0.18
phenotypic selection for these traits will be effective Plant Height 0.16 0.44 0.37 0.26
(Ibrahim and Hussein, 2006; Nwangburuka et al., 2012). Ear Height -0.01 0.48 0.33 0.25
This result is in line with Raut et al. (2017) who reported No. of Ears Harvested 0.50 0.13 -0.23 -0.08
moderate PCV and GCV, and high heritability and genetic Grain Moisture 0.11 0.34 -0.10 -0.81
advance values for ear height and grain yield. Field weight 0.50 0.18 -0.23 -0.01
Grain yield 0.47 0.03 -0.21 0.37
The low phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation
and genetic advance, and high heritability values observed Cluster analysis and correlation of traits
in days to 50% anthesis and silking in both locations
suggest that direct selection for these traits may not be Cluster diagram using Ward’s method based on nine agro-
possible because the traits were governed by non- morphological traits of 60 maize genotypes is presented in
addictive gene effect and most of the variation is attributed the Figure 1. Results showed that the cluster diagram
to environmental effects. Such traits require management grouped the genotypes into seven main clusters. Clusters
practices than selection to improve the traits performance I, II, V and VI each consisted of eight genotypes, cluster III
(Wondimu et al., 2014). This result is in corroboration with seventeen, cluster IV five and cluster VII six genotypes.
the findings of Sesay et al. (2016) who observed low Each of the main clusters consisted of two sub-clusters.
phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, The first sub-clusters in cluster I and II comprised of four
heritability and genetic advance values in days to 50% genotypes each, cluster IV and VII two genotypes, while
anthesis and silking in both top-cross and three-way cross the first sub-clusters in cluster III, V and VI comprised of
hybrids. Vashistha et al. (2013) also observed low genetic eight, three and six genotypes, respectively. The second
variability for days to 50% anthesis and silking in maize sub-clusters in cluster I, II and VII consisted of four
cultivars. genotypes each whereas cluster III, IV, V and VI
comprised of nine, three, five and two genotypes,
Principal component analysis respectively in their second sub-clusters. Genotypes
included in the third cluster contributed the bulk (28.33%)
Table 5 presents the principal component analysis of 60 of the total genotypes. In this cluster, genotypes were
open-pollinated maize varieties for nine traits evaluated at grouped based on their early flowering and anthesis-
two locations. Results showed that the four principal silking interval, shortest plant and ear heights, and low
components had Eigen values greater than one, grain moisture content (Table 6). Genotypes in the first,
contributing to 84% of the total variation among the 60 second, fifth and sixth clusters contributed 13.33% each of
Genetic Variability and Morphological Diversity among Open-Pollinated Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties
Sesay et al. 426
Table 6: Cluster means of traits for 60 genotypes evaluated at Newton and Kalangba, 2015.
Anthesis- Plant Ear Number of Grain
Cluster Anthesis Silking silking interval height height ears harvested moisture Field weight Grain yield
I 51 54 3 166.26 70.08 32 27.99 3.7 2.62
II 49.12 52.75 4 173.69 74.39 30.88 25.36 3.61 2.71
III 49.29 52.47 3.06 165.22 68.32 30.88 23.61 3.62 2.77
IV 50.88 53.88 3 165.07 70.96 33.25 24.96 3.91 3.02
V 53.4 56.6 3.4 170.94 75.56 29 24.32 3.44 2.54
VI 50 53.5 3.83 181.82 73.23 34.33 26.95 4.05 3.07
VII 49 52.12 3 180.35 75.1 33.38 25.09 3.86 2.99
the total genotypes - Genotypes in the first cluster had particular group of cluster could be chosen for
early anthesis-silking interval, highest grain moisture hybridization programmes. For instance, clusters IV, VI
content and lowest grain yield whereas in cluster II early and VII that produced the highest grain yield and other
flowering and late anthesis-silking interval were the important traits were the most divergent from clusters I and
peculiar characteristics that discriminated the genotypes V, with the lowest mean grain yields and other traits.
from the rest of the other genotypes. The cluster mean of However, the selection of parents for hybridization should
genotypes grouped in cluster V revealed that genotypes consider the special advantages of each cluster and each
expressed late flowering and highest ear height, and genotype within a cluster depending on specific objectives
produced the lowest number of ears harvested, field of hybridization (Singh, 2001; Chahal and Gosal, 2002).
weight and grain yield. Genotypes in cluster VI expressed Hence, crosses involving clusters I and V with any other
late anthesis-silking interval and produced the highest clusters would be meaningless because the chances of
plant height, number of ears harvested, field weight and producing segregants with high grain yields from crosses
grain yield. Genotypes in cluster IV and VII represented with others are limited. On the other hand, crosses
8.33% and 10%, respectively of the total genotypes. In involving cluster IV with clusters VI and VII would be
cluster IV, genotypes had early anthesis-silking interval expected to manifest higher heterosis and could result in
and shortest plant height, and produced the highest segregants with higher grain yields.
number of ears harvested, field weight and grain yield.
Whereas genotypes in cluster VII expressed early Table 7 presents the correlation of nine traits in 60
flowering, highest plant and ear heights, and produced genotypes evaluated at locations Newton and Kalangba.
highest number of ears harvested, high field weight and Grain yield is a complex quantitative trait that depends on
grain yield. The distribution pattern of genotypes into other traits for selection (Fellahi et al., 2013). In this study,
various clusters indicated the presence of considerable plant and ear heights, number of ears harvested and field
genetic divergence among the genotypes for most of the weight evaluated at both locations exerted positive and
traits evaluated. Thus representative genotypes from a significant (p≤0.01) correlation with grain yield, indicating
Genetic Variability and Morphological Diversity among Open-Pollinated Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties
Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 427
Table 7: Simple correlation of nine traits in 60 genotypes for locations Newton (below diagonal) and Kalangba (above
diagonal)
Plant No. of Ears Grain Field Grain
Traits Anthesis Silking ASI Height Ear Height Harvested Moisture weight yield
Anthesis 1 0.99** 0.06 -0.12 0.04 -0.28** 0.01 -0.26** -0.25**
Silking 0.98** 1 0.21** -0.08 0.08 -0.27** 0.03 -0.25** -0.24**
ASI -0.39** -0.18** 1 0.20** 0.25** 0.03 0.17* 0.01 0.01
Plant Height 0.02 0.03 0.03 1 0.55** 0.32** 0.15* 0.30** 0.30**
Ear Height 0.11 0.12 0.01 0.55** 1 0.20** 0.02 0.18** 0.19**
No. of Ears Harvested -0.03 -0.01 0.12 0.38** 0.30** 1 -0.05 0.96** 0.96**
Grain Moisture 0.03 0.02 -0.04 -0.02 0.11 -0.05 1 -0.02 -0.02
Field weight 0.03 0.05 0.07 0.40** 0.33** 0.78** 0.04 1 0.99**
Grain yield 0.01 0.03 0.08 0.27** 0.22** 0.55** -0.58** 0.56** 1
**, significant at probability level of 1%.
Genetic Variability and Morphological Diversity among Open-Pollinated Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties
Sesay et al. 428
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Genetic Variability and Morphological Diversity among Open-Pollinated Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties