Data for Genetic Analysis of Combining Ability and Yield Response of Intermdiate/Late-Maturing Tropical Maize Hybrids under Fall Armyworm-Infested and Protected Conditions

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) is a destructive pest that causes complete production and productivity loss, thereby threatening food security, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where maize is a major staple. In this study, the combining ability and grain yield of maize hybrids were evaluated to identify high-yielding maize hybrids that maintained superior grain yield under natural fall armyworm infestation. Thirty-two topcross hybrids and eight check hybrids were tested under FAW-infested and FAW-protected conditions in Ikenne and Zaria during the 2024 and 2025 growing seasons. The trials were evaluated using a 10 × 4 alpha design with two replications.