Zelalem Bekeko, Chemeda Fininsa, Dagne Wegary, Temam Hussien, Shimelis Hussien and Belachew Asalf. 2018. Combining ability and nature of gene action in maize (Zea mays L) inbred lines for resistance to gray leaf spot disease (Cercospora zeae maydis) in Ethiopia.

Crop Protection 112: 39–48. DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2018.05.010

Abstract: Ten elite maize inbred lines were selected based on all over per se performance and resistance to gray leaf spot (GLS) disease. 45 F1 single cross hybrids were evaluated with three replications compared to three commercial checks. All the necessary yield, agronomic and GLS disease data were recorded. In all the studied traits highly significant genotypic differences were observed indicating the existence of genetic variability among the crosses. Among all inbred lines, five were identified as promising sources for GLS disease resistance.  Analysis of epidemiological data and disease progress helped narrowing down to three populations that combine good yield, yield related traits and GLS disease resistance. Thus, these parents were recommended to be used in breeding programs and four potential high yielding and GLS resistant single cross hybrids were identified (CML-395/CML-383, CML-395/Sc-22, CML-395/CML-197 and CML-383/CML-197). Therefore, it is recommended that these hybrids can be used for direct production where this disease is the most prevalent and/or for further breeding programs in generating novel hybrids for future use.