Genetic Analysis of Some Quality Traits in Maize

Authors: ERDAL, SEKIP - Akdeniz University; CENGIZ, RAHIME - Akdeniz University; OZTURK, AHMET - Akdeniz University; PAMUKCU, MEHMET - Akdeniz University; CENGIZ, BULENT - Akdeniz University; DINCER, CUNEYT - Akdeniz University; Scott, Marvin

Submitted to: Igdir University Journal of the Institute of Science and Technology
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/6/2020
Publication Date: 8/18/2020
Citation: Erdal, S., Cengiz, R., Ozturk, A., Pamukcu, M., Cengiz, B., Dincer, C., Scott, M.P. 2020. Genetic Analysis of Some Quality Traits in Maize. Igdir University Journal of the Institute of Science and Technology. 10(3):2153-2167. https://doi.org/10.21597/jist.660028.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21597/jist.660028

Interpretive Summary: Corn breeders develop new varieties by crossing existing varieties to make hybrids and selecting the hybrids with desirable traits. Having information about the performance of hybrids allows breeders to make better decisions about what varieties to use in these breeding crosses. In this experiment, eight varieties were evaluated in hybrid combinations in Turkey for 5 important traits. Breeders in Turkey will benefit from this information because it helps them decide which varieties to cross in order to develop new varieties with superior agronomic traits.

Technical Abstract: The objective of this study were to examine genetic parameters in some traits such as flowering time, plant height, grain/ear rate, grain moisture and thousand grain weight in maize, to determine the combining ability of the lines and hybrids and thus make selections for future studies. Eight maize lines were crossed according to Griffing Method III in 2016 and 2017, obtained fifty six maize hybrids were tested in 2017 and 2018 in Antalya and Sakarya locations in randomized complete block design using three replications. In the study, genotypes, general combining ability (GCA) and special combining ability (SCA) effects were found to be significant, while reciprocal effects were found to be insignificant. It is determined that additive gene effects were more important in these traits. The highest narrow (0.82) and broad sense heritability (0.90) were detected from flowering trait, while the lowest values were determined as 0.20 and 0.27 in grain/ear ratio, respectively. Due to their high degree of inheritance, it is envisaged that direct selection can be made in the investigated characteristics except grain / ear rate. As a result of the study, M1, M2, M3 and A1 lines selected for earliness and lower grain moisture content. S1 and S2 lines selected for higher plant height. M3 and A1 lines selected for higher grain/ear rate and A1, S1 and M3 lines were selected for higher seed weight. These lines transferred to the breeding programs.