Study of Genetic Diversity in Maize Genotypes by Ear Yield and Physiological Traits

To evaluate genetic diversity of 11 maize genotypes, an experiment based on complete randomized block design with three replications at the Moghan Agriculture Research Station during 2019 growing season. Analysis of variance showed that the significant differences among maize hybrids for ear yield, chlorophyll index, chlorophyll a, maximum fluorescence (Fm), variable fluorescence (Fv) and maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), but there were not significant differences among maize hybrids for leaf temperature, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid and minimum fluorescence (Fo). KLM77021/4-1-2-1-2-4-1× K47/3 hybrid with high ear yield and photosynthetic system introduced the best hybrid to comparing with other hybrids. The range of heritability was from 14% for chlorophyll b to 87 % for variable fluorescence (Fv). Correlation between ear yield, leaf temperature, chlorophyll index, pigment contents and chlorophyll fluorescence indicated that ear yield was correlated with chlorophyll pigment (p< 0.05), and maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) was correlated with chlorophyll a (p< 0.05). The cluster analysis based Ward method, with ear yield and photosynthetic system, was classified maize genotypes in two different groups. It can be concluded that chlorophyll fluorescence can be used for selecting genotype with high yield.