Pedigree and Germplasm Base of Inbreds of the Lancaster Heterotic Group of Maize in China

Lancaster Surecrop (LSC) germplasm in inbreds of the Lancaster heterotic group in China was mainly provided by the two inbreds Mo17 and Oh43. Furthermore, the source of LSC germplasm was severely restricted in two inbreds, C103 and Oh40B. The contents of LSC germplasm are 50% or less in inbreds of the group, with the existence of more than 20 non-LSC germplasms that results in the abundant genetic diversity in the group. Most inbreds of Mo17 subgroup contain 25 % - 50 % LSC, 12.5 % - 25 % Reid Yellow Dent (RYD)and 12.5% - 25% Iowa Goldmine germplasms in the ratio of 2:1:1, and most inbreds of Zi330 subgroup contain 12.5%-25% LSC, 6.25%- 12.5% RYD, 6.25%- 12.5% Minnesota # 13 and 25%- 50% Creole germplasms in the ratio of 2:1:1: 4. All the facts indicated that the germplasm base of the Lancaster heterotic group has stupendously changed and evolved away from actual LSC germplasm.