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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #177359
Title: REGISTRATION OF MAIZE GERMPLASM LINE GEMS-0002

Author
item PRATT, RICHARD - OHIO STATE UNIV
item Pollak, Linda
item MONTGOMERY, KEVIN - CENTRAL GOLDEN HARVEST

Submitted to: Crop Science
Publication Type: Germplasm Release
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/28/2005
Publication Date: 8/26/2005
Citation: Pratt, R., Pollak, L.M., Montgomery, K. 2005. Registration of maize germplasm line GEMS-0002. Crop Science. 45:2130-2131.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: GEMS-0002 (PI 632413) is a maize (Zea mays L.) partially inbred germplasm line released by The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in accordance with the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) protocol (Pollak, 2003). It was released in March 2002 for use in the development of more genetically diverse, elite, maize parental lines. An S2 breeding line (OSU 43-2) was selected from GEM breeding population FS8A(S):S09 using pedigree selection methods. Additionally, selection for resistance to green-snap was practiced in Iowa, and selection for resistance to Cercospora zeae-maydis (Tehon & Daniels) infection (causal agent of gray leaf spot) and to infestation of tassels by corn leaf aphids [Ropalosiphum maidis (Fitch)] was practiced in Ohio. Post-harvest selection was practiced at both locations for good ear fill, sound kernels, and absence of ear rot.GEMS-0002 has demonstrated good combining ability with three non-BSSS proprietary inbred testers (Mo17 and Oh43 related). Average yield of the testcrosses across several states in the central and eastern Corn Belt during two seasons (1999 and 2001) was 95% of the mean of commercial check hybrids. Yields were equivalent or higher than those of the checks in test sites that experienced drought stress, and below that of the checks at the highest yielding test sites of 2001. Moisture content of the testcrosses was consistently below the average of the check entries (15.8 g kg-1 vs. 18.3 g kg-1and 21.0 g kg-1 vs. 22.5 g kg-1 in 1999 and 2001, respectively) and stalk lodging was approximately equal to that of the commercial checks' mean (1% vs. 3% and 9% vs. 9%. in 1999 and 2001, respectively). GEMS-002 is intended as a breeding resource for the improvement and diversification of elite, non-'Lancaster Sure-Crop' related inbreds. The line is unique in that it displays exceptionally early maturity and all-around agronomic quality for a line with such a high proportion of exotic germplasm in its pedigree. These attributes make it a potential breeding resource for programs throughout the majority of temperate maize producing regions. It is recommended that it be introduced into breeding programs by crossing with elite inbreds followed by modified pedigree selection. Using this method, it is anticipated the agronomic characteristics can still be improved since only one cycle of selection has been practiced.