ABSTRACT
Mass selection is the principle method of breeding open pollinated maize. Selection of plants should be based on: vigorous, stout and healthy plants, large, sound and well developed cobs, disease free plants, and proper maturity and good seed setting. From an open pollinated variety 50 – 100 (50 minimum and 100 maximum) cobs of good size, setting and grain colour are selected and thrashed individually. The selected lines are study in replicated row yield trial and the yield assesses. This is compared with local standard strains. The best lines are tested in comparative yield trial with local standard strains. Plant characters are observed and recorded. Hybrid maize is the first generation progeny from cross involving inbred lines. Self pollination and vigorous selection for vigorous and healthy plants for 5 – 6 generations until uniform lines are obtained.
