Assessment of Genetic Purity of Maize Hybrid Varieties MI Maize Hy 03, MI Maize Hy 04 and MI Maize Hy 05 Using SSR Markers

Genetic purity is an important criterion for quality assurance in hybrid seed production. Growout- test (GOT) based on morphological traits is usually practiced to confirm hybrid purity. The morphological trait-based analysis is time-consuming and highly influenced by the environment. In contrast, molecular markers, are capable of distinguishing parents and F₁ hybrids. In this study, the purity of three locally developed maize hybrids namely, MI Maize Hy 03, MI Maize Hy 04, and MI Maize Hy 05 were tested with their parental lines. Eight SSR markers were used to identify parental polymorphism of the hybrids. Of these SSR markers, three markers, designated as phi057, UMC1066, and UMC 1997 were found to be effective in determining the genetic purity of MI Maize Hy 03, MI Maize Hy 04, and MI Maize Hy 05. Maize hybrid MI Maize Hy 03 and MI Maize Hy 04 showed a hybridization percentage of 100 % whereas MI Maize Hy 05 showed a purity of 97.5%.These findings are more reliable and can be efficiently utilized for hybridity testing. Further, these findings will assist to maintain genetic purity and quality seed certification of the tested maize hybrid varieties. In addition, the results of the present study will help breeders and growers to identify the purity of commercially produced seeds of MI Maize Hy 03 MI Maize Hy 04 and MI Maize Hy 05.