Combining ability and heterosis for grain yield and its component traits were studied in quality protein maize through line x tester mating design using eight lines and three testers along with two checks, Vivek QPM 9 and HQPM-1. The studies on combining ability in quality protein maize provide information to identity potential parents of hybrids and single cross hybrids (SCH). The results revealed that the existence of non-additive gene action for all the characters studied. The lines DQL685 (Orange) -18-2, DQL596 (U)-2-1-1 and DQL 639 -1-7 and the tester, DMRQPM -03-124 had recorded significant gca for yield and most of the yield component traits studied. The hybrid, DQL599(U)-4-2 x DMRQPM 03-124 recorded negative significant sca values for earliness while considering days to 50 percent flowering and days to maturity. The hybrids DQL599(U)-4-2 × DMRQPM 58, DQL 621-1-1 × DMRQPM 03-102, DQL641-4-2 × DMRQPM 58, DQL 685(Orange)-18-2 × DMRQPM 03-124 with higher per se performance, exhibited significant specific combining ability effects and standard heterosis for grain yield per plant.

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