YIELD AND FORAGE QUALITY IN MAIZE (Zea mays L.) INBRED LINES

Abstract

Objective: Analyze the genetic diversity of 100 maize inbred lines with respect to agronomic characters, forage yield and fiber content, in addition, identify genotypes with potential for the plant breeding of said traits.                                                                                                   

Design/methodology/approach: 100 maize inbred lines were evaluated in two environments, in a 10 x 10 complete block experimental design, with two repetitions. Data of days to male flowering, days to female flowering, cob height, plant height, stem diameter, green forage yield, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were recorded.

Results: Significant differences were observed for the environmental sources of variation and genotypes for all the characters evaluated. The first four components explain 81% of the total variation observed and the first two 66% of the variation. The variables with the highest absolute value and that determine in a relevant way the dispersion of the genotypes, as well as the formation of groups were, for component one: plant height, forage yield, and acid detergent fiber and for component two days a female flowering and days to male flowering; the above, allowed the dispersion of the genotypes in four groups.

Limitations on study/implications: It was not possible to conduct genetic diversity studies using molecular markers.

Findings/conclusions: The grouping pattern of inbred lines shows the genetic diversity present; this can be an important tool in genetic improvement programs to obtain hybrids with specific characteristics.