Genetic parameters of various local corn cultivars in high salinity stress

Abstract

Future demand for maize will not be easily met due to climate change and its development using marginal soils that are stressed by salinity. This study aims to identify the genetic parameters of corn plants under high salinity stress. The research was arranged in a randomized completely block design (RCBD) consisting of six local maize cultivars, namely Gento, Lanca, Pulut, Lokal, Lei, and Sigi Merah. Each treatment was repeated four times. The results showed that two traits had a high coefficient of genotypic diversity, four traits had a high coefficient of phenotypic diversity and six traits had high heritability and genetic progress. Plant height, the greenness of the leaves, age of male flower release, age of blooming female flowers, the position of the ear, harvest age, length of cob without stalks, and diameter of the cob were positively and significantly correlated with yield. Plant height and cob height can be used as criteria for increasing maize yields through indirect selection. In future studies suggest that various local maize cultivars can be applied to situations of high salinity stress.