EVALUATION OF R-NJ KERNEL COLOR EXPRESSION AS A SELECTION CRITERION IN MAIZE
Abstract
A genetically broad-based maize Stiff Stalk Synthetic (BSSS) homozygous for the su2o2 genes was used as a source population in divergent selection for high and low R-nj kernel color expression. The population was converted by D. V. Glover by crossing a 'B37 su2o2 with the BSSS, then backcrossing to BSSS for three generations followed by two generations of random mating with selection of the heterozygous ears. The progress made using R-nj kernel color expression as a selection procedure was evaluated in a Preliminary Trial in 1982 and a comprehensive Cyclic Selection Trial in 1983. In 1982, CO, C2H(high), and C2L(low) were evaluated in one row plots using a randomized complete block design consisting of 50 replications. In 1983, a check and all cycles of selection CO to C3 for high and low color expression were evaluated. Evaluation consisted of two row plots in a randomized complete block design with five replications at two locations. Yield was not significantly influenced by cycles of selection in the 1982 or 1983 evaluations. The 1982 data indicated that 100-kernel weight and kernel density were significantly increased by selection for low color expression. There was no significant change in 100-kernel weight or 100-kernel volume in the 1983 evaluation. However, the difference between high and low selection for color expression was highly significant for both kernel density and harvest grain moisture associated with cycles of selection. Selection for kernel color expression apparently had no effect on growing degree days of anthesis to physiological maturity or planting to physiological maturity based on the data accumulated in 1983.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Agronomy
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