Aboderin, O.SBankole, F.AOyekunle, MOlaoye, GSaminu, Z2024-04-222024-04-222023Aboderin, O.S., Bankole, F.A., Oyekunle, M., Olaoye, G., Saminu, Z. (2023). Performance of Maize Inbred lines of different maturity groups under different soil Nitrogen levels. Abuja Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol 3(2), 2023. Published by the University of Abuja, Nigeria (AJAE). https://www.ajae.ng2736-1160https://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/12577Evaluation of Per Se performance of inbred lines is crucial for assessing their inherent genetic potential and their prospective utility in population improvement and hybrid development. This study assessed 79 newly introduced maize inbred lines over two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) in Zaria, focusing on yield performance and low-nitrogen (N) tolerance under varying soil N conditions and N-fertilizer application rates. The results emphasized the substantial impact of nitrogen availability on various agronomic traits, including significant reductions in grain yield (35-95%), prolonged anthesis-silking intervals, and decreased plant and ear height, adversely affecting plant and ear morphology. Twelve screening indices were computed for each inbred line, revealing variations in the identification of tolerant lines, though some indices agreed on classifying certain lines as tolerant. The study identified 35 inbred lines as low-N tolerant, with consistent classification for SMLW5, SMLW156, and SMLW159 across multiple screening indices Line SMLW156 and SMLW5 recorded the highest yield under low-N, with a yield advantage of 71% and 48.5%, respectively, over the best check. The highest-yielding inbred lines under optimum-N conditions were SMLW156 and SMLW21, with yield advantages of 40% and 39.2%, respectively, over the best check. These identified lines hold promise as parents for population improvement and high-yielding low-N tolerant hybrids. Correlation results and Genotype x Trait Biplot analyses underscored the significance of ear aspect, stay-green characteristics, plant height, and ear height in achieving high grain yield under low-N conditions.enPer se performancetraits correlationGGE biplot analysisSelection indicesIndirect selectionArticle