Unlocking Genetic Variability for Yield Enhancement in Popcorn (Zea mays var. everta)

Abstract

The present investigation assessed genetic variability and estimated key genetic parameters for yield, yield-attributing, and popping quality traits in popcorn (Zea mays var. everta) genotypes. Forty-four popcorn genotypes, comprising 42 hybrids and two checks, were evaluated during the maize Rabi season from November 2025 to April 2026 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Data were collected for 13 traits, namely days to 50% anthesis, days to 50% silking, days to maturity, plant height, ear height, ear length, ear girth, number of kernel rows per ear, number of kernels per row, 100-kernel weight, grain yield per plant, popping expansion volume, and popping percentage. Analysis of variance revealed significant genotypic differences for all traits, indicating exploitable variability within the evaluated material. The phenotypic coefficient of variation exceeded the genotypic coefficient of variation for all traits, suggesting environmental influence on trait expression. Popping expansion volume showed the highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation, with values of 21.96% and 21.55%, respectively, whereas days to 50% silking showed the lowest variability. Broad-sense heritability ranged from 32.17% for days to 50% anthesis to 96.32% for popping expansion volume. Genetic advance as per cent of mean ranged from 1.96% to 43.57%. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for popping expansion volume and ear girth indicates that these traits may respond effectively to selection in popcorn improvement programmes.