Article

The present study, titled Morpho-physiological Characterization of Inbred Lines in Maize, was conducted during the Rabi season of 2019-20 at the Agricultural Research Station, Buldana. The experiment followed a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications, evaluating eleven maize inbred lines: BMI-6-2-2, BMI-28-1, BMI-34-3, BMI-23-1, BVM-21-1, MGT-53-2-1, MGT-53-36, MGT-53-23, MGT-53-24-4, V1543-6-12, and V1551-15. Sowing was performed on December 21, 2019, using the dibbling method, with a spacing of 60 × 20 cm. Standard agronomic practices, including the recommended NPK dose of 120:60:40 kg/ha, were adopted. Growth parameters were measured at 30, 60, and at harvest stages, while biochemical parameters were evaluated at 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). Yield and yield attributes were recorded at harvest. Among the inbred lines, MGT-53-2-1 exhibited significantly superior performance in growth parameters, including crop growth rate (g/day), relative growth rate (g/g/day), and net assimilation rate (g/dm²/day). The line also demonstrated the highest chlorophyll content index (SPAD values), grain yield (g/plant), and harvest index (%). Furthermore, inbred lines MGT-53-2-1 and MGT-53-24-4 excelled in biochemical traits and yield attributes, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of MGT-53-2-1 and MGT-53-24-4 for improving key morphological, physiological, and yield traits in maize. The superior inbred lines identified in this study can be utilized in future breeding programs aimed at enhancing maize productivity and performance.