Information about heterotic pattems in breeding programs is very important. Introduction of exotic germplasm into national maize breeding program can help in
providing new heterotic patterns to maize breeders. This study was conducted to
determine heterotic patterns among eight yellow maize populations. Six of these
populations are exotics while the other two were local populations. Full diallel was
done among these eight populations. The eight populations. their crosses and
reciprocals were evaluated at three locations in 2003 season. The results showed that
populations 4S and 31 produced the highest per se grain yield. The highest heterotic
combinations for yield among the parental populations were found between the two
exotic populations 31and 45 and each of the two local populations. Sakha 21 (SK.21)
and Nubaria Yellow Population (NYP). High parent heterosis was observed in crosses
between Pop31 and each of SK.21 and NYP. Pop.31 demonstrated the highest
general combining ability (GCA) for grain yield. The study indicated that. populations
31, 45. SK.21 and NYP have a good potential for use in the National Maize Breeding
Program (NMBP) especially in a hybrid development program.