RESUMO
Genetic variability, heritability (broad sense) and genetic advance were studied in 39 inbreeds of maize. The data were recorded on twelve quantitative traits viz., days to 50% silking, days to 50% tasseling, plant height (cm), ear height (cm), ear length (cm), ear diameter (cm), ear weight without husk (g). ear weight with husk (g), number of kernel rows per ear, number of kernels pr row, 100-seed weight and grain yield per palnt (g). Significant differences among the genotypes were observed for all the characters under study. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were highest for characters namely, ear weight without husk, ear weight with husk, number of kernels per row, 100 grain weight and grain yield per plant suggesting that these characters are under the influence of genetic control. High values of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was noticed for traits viz., grain yield per plant, ear height, plant height, number of kernels per row, number of kernel rows per ear, ear length, 100 grain weight, ear weight with husk and without husk indicating their effectiveness in selection.