Analysis of Per Se and Genetic Diversity of Maize Synthetic Populations for Grain Quality: Implications for Breeding

摘要

The objective of this research was to determine whether phenotypic and genetic diversity could be identified for maize grain quality traits (percentage of starch, protein, oil, fiber and ash) and agronomic traits. 59 maize synthetic populations which differed in earliness and for geographic origins were evaluated in the field at the Agricultural Research Station Turda - Romania, for their per se value. Each synthetic population was tested only one year and was characterized for their ear characteristics and grain quality attributes. The grain oil and ash content showed high variability among genotypes. The experiment was conducted over 2 years (2006-2007) and 2 locations (Turda and Targu-Mures). Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for all traits studied. General combining ability (GCA) effects were more important for grain content than specific combining ability (SCA). The occurrence of low interactions between synthetic populations and testers for all characters suggested the occurrence of high statistical additive effects expressed whatever the system of population evaluation. These results support breeding effort towards the genetic improvement of grain quality traits in “Turda” maize germplasm.