Leafy reduced-stature maize for short-season environments: morphological aspects of inbred lines

Development of maize (Zea mays L.) types that produce leaf area rapidly and finish vegetative development quickly would increase production of maize in mid- to short-season areas. The Leafy (Lfy1) and reduced-stature (rd1) traits each make contributions to this end. However, these two traits have not previously been combined. Our objective was to evaluate the morphological aspects of non-leafy normal-stature (NLNS), leafy reduced-stature (LRS), non-leafy reduced-stature (NLRS), and leafy normal-stature (LNS) maize inbreds. Two traits, Lfy1 and rd1, were incorporated into a series of inbreds, resulting in a range of canopy architectures. Twelve variables were recorded for each of 30 inbreds over three years. The 12 variables were: seed emergence, above-ear leaf number, below-ear leaf number, dead leaf number at tasselling, live leaf number at tasselling, total leaf number, above-ear leaf area, ear leaf length, ear leaf width, ear height, internode length, and plant height. Inbreds containing the Lfy1 trait had more above-ear leaf area, above-ear leaf number, dead leaf number at tasselling, total leaf number and number of live leaves at tasselling than non-leafy inbred lines. Below-ear leaf number was not different among LRS, LNS, and NLNS inbred lines. LRS and NLRS inbred lines were also not different for below-ear leaf number. Plant height, ear height, and ear leaf length and width were higher in normal-stature than reduced-stature plants. The proportion of the seeds which emerged was higher for LRS inbreds than the other trait groups. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of Population Density and Planting Pattern on the Yield and Yield Components of Leafy Reduced-Stature Maize in a Short-Season Area

Maize hybrids that yield well, mature earlier with low grain moisture contents, tolerate higher population densities and take advantage of narrow row spacings better than the currently available hybrids would be more suitable for production in short-season areas. Leafy reduced-stature maize hybrids, which have only recently been developed, have traits which address these criteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different population densities (65 000 and 130000 plants ha^?1) and planting patterns (single rows 76 cm apart and paired rows with 20 cm between rows within a pair of 56 cm between rows of adjacent pairs) on the yield and yield components of two leafy reduced-stature (LRS1 and LRS2), one non-leafy reduced-stature (NLRS), and two conventional corn hybrids (Pioneer 3979, < 2500 CHU; and Pioneer 3902, 2600-2700 CHU) at two locations. All hybrids had higher kernel numbers per row and single plant grain yields at the lower population densities when in paired rows. However, as plant density increased, these variables decreased more in the conventional hybrids than the LRS and NLRS hybrids, which demonstrates the greater tolerance of the latter to the stresses associated with higher plant densities. Grain yield was higher for the two LRS hybrids and the NLRS hybrid at 130000 plants ha^?1 than 65 000 plants ha^?1 Grain yield of conventional hybrids was reduced at the higher population density. The LRS hybrids matured before both conventional hybrids and out yielded Pioneer 3979 at the higher plant population density in both row spacings at both sites. Harvest index was not affected by population density and this value was not different among the NLRS and conventional hybrids. However, the harvest index of the LRS hybrids was greater than the others. LRS and NLRS hybrids had lower moisture contents and earlier maturities than conventional hybrids. Rapid growth of the first ear and higher harvest index values might are indications that LRS hybrids are more tolerant of higher population densities than the conventional hybrids.     

Effects of Population Density on the Vegetative Growth of Leafy Reduced-stature Maize in Short-season Areas

Maize hybrids which produce more leaves above the ear, with leaf area indices similar to conventional hybrids, which require fewer corn heat units to flowering and maturity, and tolerate higher population densities, should be better adapted for production in short season areas than currently available hybrids. Leafy reduced-stature maize hybrids, which have only recently been developed, have traits which address these criteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different population densities (50 000, 100 000, 150 000, and 200 000 plants.ha⁻¹) on the vegetative growth of one leafy reduced-stature (LRS), one non-leafy reduced-stature (NLRS), and two conventional control hybrids (Pioneer 3979, < 2500 CHU, and Pioneer 3902, 2600–2700 CHU) at two locations. There were no differences among population densities for leaf number above the ear; however leaf area index increased as population density increased for all hybrids. The LRS hybrid had a greater average leaf number above the ear (2.7 and 2.0 more leaves than NLRS and the control hybrids, respectively). As a result the leaf area index value of LRS was much greater than the NLRS and similar to the conventional hybrids, but LRS matured substantially before the conventional hybrids. The LRS hybrid required fewer corn heat units to reach flowering and maturity and had more time for grain filling than the conventional hybrids. Therefore, LRS hybrids show promise for production in short season areas where maize cultivation is not economical due to shortness of growing season.     

Effects of Population Density on the Yield and Yield Components of Leafy Reduced-stature Maize in Short-season Areas

Maize hybrids which yield well, mature earlier and tolerate higher population densities better than the currently available hybrids would be more suitable for production in short-season areas. Leafy reduced-stature maize hybrids, which have only recently become available, have traits which address these criteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different population densities (50000, 100000, 150000, and 200000 plants ha⁻¹) on the yield and yield components of one leafy reduced-stature (LRS), one non-leafy reduced-stature (NLRS), and two conventional control hybrids (Pioneer 3979, <2500 CHU; and Pioneer 3902, 2600–2700 CHU) at two locations. All hybrids had the highest kernel number per row and single plant grain yields at the lowest population densities, however, as plant density increased these variables decreased more in the conventional hybrids than the LRS and NLRS hybrids, which demonstrates the greater tolerance of the latter to the stresses associated with higher plant densities. Grain yield was highest for all hybrids, except for NLRS, at 100 000 plants ha⁻¹ with the LRS hybrid and Pioneer 3902 having the highest yields (11.4 vs. 9.8; 12.0 vs. 10.4) at locations 1 and 2 respectively. The LRS hybrid matured before either of the conventional hybrids and out yielded Pioneer 3979 at both sites. Harvest index was not affected by population density and this value was not different among the NLRS and conventional hybrids. However, the harvest index of the LRS hybrid was greater than the others. LRS and NLRS hybrids had lower moisture contents and earlier maturities than conventional hybrids. Rapid growth of the first ear, a higher yield per unit leaf area, and a higher harvest index are indications that LRS hybrids should be more tolerant of higher population densities than the conventional hybrids.     

Development Traits Affecting Time to Low Ear Moisture in Maize

A diallel cross of six inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.) from the Corn Belt of the USA and one inbred line (NZ1A) with characteristics of maize from the highlands of Mexico was grown in a cool, temperate environment. The objective was to investigate interrelationships and combining abilities of plant development traits likely to influence the time required to reach low ear moistures in the field. The traits were days to silking, days to physiological maturity, ear moisture at physiological maturity, grain filling duration and ear drying rate after physiological maturity. Grain yield and grain moisture at harvest were also considered. Differences among the hybrids of this diallel cross for ear and grain moisture at the usual harvest time were largely determined by differences in ear drying rate after physiological maturity, and not by differences in days to silking, days to physiological maturity, or in ear moisture at physiological maturity. General combining ability (GCA) effects were much larger than specific combining ability (SCA) effects for all traits. NZ1A had positive GCA effects for grain filling duration and negative GCA effects for ear moisture at physiological maturity which were outside the range of the Corn Belt lines suggesting that this line, or similar Mexican germplasm, could be useful for developing hybrids with high grain yields and low ear moistures at harvest in cool, temperate environments.     

不同玉米自交系子粒脱水速率及其与主要影响性状的相关分析

为了明确不同群体玉米自交系子粒脱水特征差异和影响玉米脱水速率的主要性状与子粒脱水间的关系,以陕A群、陕B群选育的8份玉米自交系和2份骨干自交系（昌7-2和PH4CV）为试验材料,分析了不同玉米自交系的子粒脱水速率、收获期子粒含水率、子粒灌浆速率、苞叶性状、果穗性状、叶面积、叶绿素含量、株高、穗位高及产量构成等变化特征及其与子粒脱水间的相互关系。结果表明：不同玉米自交系子粒脱水速率呈现“快–慢–较快–慢–较快–慢”的变化趋势。子粒脱水速率与收获期子粒含水率、苞叶平均含水率、苞叶层数、苞叶长度、穗粗、粒长、粒宽、叶面积、SPAD值、子粒灌浆天数等性状呈显著负相关关系,与苞叶脱水速率存在显著正相关关系,与株高、穗位高和子粒产量间相关性不显著。不同自交系间的子粒脱水速率、收获期子粒含水率、苞叶含水率、苞叶脱水速率等指标差异明显,KB043、KA105和KB024自交系的子粒脱水速率快、产量较高,可在宜机收品种选育时作为快速脱水材料加以考虑。     

Relationship between hybrid performance and AFLP based genetic distance in highland maize inbred lines

The objectives of this study were to determine the crossing performance of highland maize inbred lines for grain yield, days to silk and plant height; estimate genetic distance (GD) among the inbred lines and in association with tester parents, and to investigate the relationship of GD with hybrid performance and midparent heterosis (MPH). A total of 26 inbred lines were crossed with six (population and line) testers in a factorial-mating scheme. The F_1’s and the parents were evaluated at five locations in Ethiopia. Nine amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer pairs were used to genotype all the parents. The F_1’s were found to vary widely for grain yield and other traits measured. Yield superiority of more than 30% over the best hybrid check was obtained for some testcross hybrids. Midparent heterosis on average was moderate for grain yield and, plant height. And for days to silking, MPH values were mostly negative. Mean GD values determined from the inbred lines by population tester (0.680) and line tester (0.661) combinations were not significantly different. Cluster analysis separated the tester parents from the corresponding inbred lines. AFLP grouping of the inbred lines was in agreement with their pedigree records. Genetic distances derived from the inbred lines × all testers and from the population testers’ sub-group were not positively correlated with hybrid performance and MPH for most traits. In contrast, correlations of GDs involving the line testers’ sub-group with F_1’s and MPH were significantly positive but with low magnitude to be of predictive value.     

我国玉米自交系叶片保绿性及其与产量的关系

选用我国75个常用不同基因型玉米自交系,对其叶片保绿性参数进行了定点动态测定。结果表明,不同自交系抽丝后叶片保绿度的变化均符合方程y = ae^b-cx/ (1+e^b-cx),成熟期的绿叶数、成熟期叶绿素含量和相对绿叶面积平均衰减速率(V_m)可作为区分玉米保绿型与非保绿型的关键指标。按照Hiechical聚类分析方法,筛选出12个保绿型自交系,其成熟期相对绿叶面积在60%以上,其V_m平均值为0.687% d^-1,在生长季内相对绿叶面积无大幅度衰减,成熟期绿叶数多,叶绿素含量较高;其余63个为非保绿型自交系,还可分为植株叶片衰老较快型与植株叶片衰老较慢型两个亚类。不同自交系抽丝后叶片保绿性与叶面积持续期、单株产量均呈正相关。保绿型的叶面积持续期和单株产量比非保绿型分别高20.02%~23.87%和50.44%~59.38%;与非保绿型自交系相比,保绿型在籽粒灌浆期绿叶面积大,叶绿素含量高,群体光合速率高,光合作用时间长,因而生物产量较高。     

Genetic variation among European maize inbreds for resistance to the European corn borer and relation to agronomic traits

The univoltine European corn borer (ECB) has become a major limiting factor for maize (Zea mays L.) production in central Europe. The objective of this study was to survey the genetic variation for ECB resistance in European elite maize germplasm. Eighteen flint and 23 dent inbreds were screened under artificial ECB infestation at two locations in 1993 and 1994. Resistance was assessed by damage rating of broken plants, measurement of tunnel length in dissected stalks, and yield reduction in infested plots relative to insecticide-protected control plots. Flint lines showed significantly greater means for damage rating than dent lines with grain yield reduction of 35% and 24%, respectively. Significant genotypic variances among lines and high heritabilities were found for agronomic traits and damage rating. Heritabilities were intermediate for tunnel length and relative grain yield. Significant associations of days to silking, ear dry matter content, and dry matter yield of the whole plant with damage rating and tunnel length suggested a better resistance in late-maturing, high-yielding inbreds. Genotypic correlations of relative grain yield with tunnel length and damage rating ranged between ?0.46 and ?0.72. Partial correlations, eliminating the effect of flowering time, confirmed these associations. Damage rating of stalks is the most suitable trait for evaluation of ECB damage owing to its high heritability and easy recording. Tunnel length below the primary ear is a useful trait for assessing antibiosis because it is not correlated with days to silking. Inbreds with extreme resistance and susceptibility were identified which can be used as parents for establishing breeding and QTL mapping populations.     

Response of Corn Hybrids Differing in Canopy Architecture to Chemical and Mechanical (Rotary Hoeing) Weed Control: Morphology and Yield

Weed interference with the growth and yield of corn plants is affected by both mechanical and chemical means of weed control. Recently, corn hybrids accumulating more leaf area, maturing earlier, yielding better in narrower row spacings and tolerating higher plant populations better than conventional hybrids have been developed. Because of more rapid leaf area accumulation during the earliest stages of canopy development and overall canopy architecture, they may be more susceptible to damage due to mechanical weed control. The objective of this study was to assess the response of corn hybrids with a wide range of canopy architectures to chemical and mechanical (rotary hoeing) weed control, with an emphasis on quantifying morphology and grain yield responses. Field experiments were conducted in 1997 and 1998 at Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec. Three hybrids were tested: leafy reduced-stature (LRS1 and LRS2), and the conventional hybrid Pioneer 3979 (P3979). Rotary hoeing alone had very little effect, while herbicide application reduced the interference of weeds with growth and grain yield of all hybrids. Hybrid P3979 had more total leaf area than LRS1 and LRS2, but the percentage of leaf area above the ear was much higher for LRS hybrids (70 %) than for P3979 (51 %). Generally, LRS hybrids were much shorter with more leaf area above the ear than P3979, contributing to the large differences in canopy architecture between the LRS hybrids and P3979. However, morphology and grain yield response of hybrids to rotary hoeing and herbicide weed control was not different, indicating that the new hybrids were not more susceptible to damage caused by mechanical weed control than a corn hybrid with a conventional canopy architecture.     

Use of genomic and phenotypic selection in lines for prediction of testcrosses in maize II: grain yield and plant traits

Plant breeders have been trying to predict the performance of hybrids based on their parental performance. One application of molecular markers is its use in selection. The objectives were to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) and verify its congruence in maize lines and in their testcrosses and verify the possibility to select testcrosses from the predicted means of the lines by using information from markers. Two-hundred and fifty six lines and the testcrosses of these lines with two testers were evaluated in six environments, considering grain yield, plant lodging, days to anthesis and silking, anthesis-silking interval, plant and ear height and ear placement. QTL were mapped in the lines and in testcrosses and the predicted means of the lines were computed based on QTL effects and in all markers of the genome. The congruence of QTL detected in the lines and testcrosses were small for all traits. The correlations between the predicted means of the lines and the phenotypic means of the testcrosses ranged from low for grain yield to moderate for cycle and stature traits. The highest coincidences of the lines and selected testcrosses were observed for cycle and stature traits and the lowest for grain yield. Even by using molecular markers information, it is only possible to predict the testcrosses performance from the lines information to less complex traits and with reduced dominance effect. For complex traits and with pronounced dominance effect, information of markers must be obtained directly in the testcrosses, so they can be used for selection.     

Morphology and yield response to weed pressure by corn hybrids differing in canopy architecture

Recently, corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids accumulating more leaf area above the ear, maturing earlier, yielding better in narrower row spacings and tolerating higher population densities than conventional hybrids have been developed. However, no research has been conducted to assess their ability to compete with weeds. The objective of this study was to quantify morphological and grain yield responses of hybrids with differing canopy architectures to the presence and absence of weeds. Field experiments were conducted in 1996, 1997, and 1998 at Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec and in 1996 at Ottawa, Ontario. Three hybrids, leafy reduced-stature (LRS), late maturing big leaf (LMBL), and conventional Pioneer 3979 (P3979), were evaluated at two population densities (normal and high), row spacings (38 and 76 cm) and weed pressure levels (weed-free and weedy). Weed pressure reduced the plant height of LRS less (only 4 cm) than the tall hybrids (average reduction of 26 cm). The overall grain yield of the LMBL hybrid was much greater (12.7 mg ha⁻¹) than the LRS (9.6 mg ha⁻¹) and P3979 (11.0 mg ha⁻¹) hybrids in the absence, but not in the presence (LRS, 6.5; LMBL, 6.7; and P3979, 6.8 mg ha⁻¹), of weeds. The yield of early-maturing LRS and P3979 (especially LRS) hybrids, were least affected by weed pressure, suggesting better tolerance of, and competition with, weeds. However, further research with more LRS hybrids is needed, as is the development of better yielding LRS hybrids, before they can be recommended over conventional hybrids.     

花期弱光持续时间对玉米果穗发育及产量的影响

为探明花期连阴雨造成的弱光胁迫持续时间对玉米产量的影响,以黄淮海平原主推夏玉米品种浚单29为材料,自抽雄期起设置弱光胁迫处理0 d(CK)、3 d(S3)、6 d(S6)、9 d(S9)、12 d(S12)、15 d(S15)6个处理,探讨了玉米花期弱光持续时间对玉米果穗发育及产量的影响。结果表明,自抽雄期起,随着弱光胁迫时间的延长,弱光处理3~15 d,吐丝期较CK推迟1~7 d,终散粉日较CK推迟1~2 d。在抽穗后第11天所有处理散粉全部结束。散粉100%结束日吐丝株率较CK减少3%~43%,各处理结束日果穗长度的增长速率和雌穗干质量增长速率分别较CK降低71%~79%和83%~100%,但对最终的苞叶长度无显著影响。弱光处理3~15 d,导致受精率和结实率较CK分别降低22~58,16~71个百分点(P0.05)。抽雄期起3~15 d的弱光胁迫显著降低了植株干物质积累速率,恢复自然光照后,干物质积累速率呈现恢复性增长,但仍低于CK。随着弱光胁迫持续时间的延长,成熟期果穗长度、结实长度显著降低,秃尖长度显著增加,穗粒数和籽粒产量显著降低(P0.05),百粒质量无显著变化。     

18个玉米自交系氮效率性状的配合力分析

以不同类群的18个玉米自交系为母本,6个标准测验种为父本,利用NC-II设计,组配108个杂交组合,对亲本自交系氮效率相关性状进行统计分析,并对杂交组合的产量及氮效率相关性状进行配合力分析。结果表明,吐丝期叶绿素相对含量在2个施氮处理下均与氮效率呈极显著正相关(r = 0.553, 0.639),可作为评价亲本自交系氮效率高低的指标;从氮效率2个构成方面来看,不施氮处理下氮利用效率起主要作用,而施氮处理下氮吸收效率起主要作用。亲本氮效率配合力分析表明,在氮高效品种选育中,应保证亲本至少有一个是氮效率一般配合力(GCA)较高的自交系,并选择由其组配的氮效率特殊配合力(SCA)高的组合;双亲的配合力氮效率总体效应(TCA)决定着组合F₁代的产量及氮效率,TCA可作为选育氮高效杂交组合的理论依据。母本自交系BL12、BL48分别在施纯氮225 kg hm^-2 (N225)和450 kg hm^-2 (N450)处理下,具有较高的GCA效应,是较好的氮高效育种材料,其杂交组合BL12×178、BL48×掖478分别在N225,N450处理下表现较优,是优良的氮高效杂交组合。     

11份玉米自交系单株产量等性状的配合力与遗传参数研究

旨在研究玉米自交系单株产量等性状的配合力、遗传力及反交效应,为玉米自交系的选育和杂交种的组配提供依据。以11份玉米自交系为试材,按Griffing Ⅲ完全双列杂交法组配110个组合,观测杂交种的单株产量、株高、穗位高、雄穗分支数、雄穗主轴长、抽丝期和开花期等7个性状的表型数据,并对上述性状的一般配合力、特殊配合力、广义遗传力、狭义遗传力和反交效应进行估算。供试材料除雄穗主轴长的特殊配合力差异不显著外,其余性状的一般配合力和特殊配合力差异均达到极显著水平。JZ3和JZ6两个自交系单株产量的一般配合力为极显著正值,两对组合JZ9×JZ2和JZ2×JZ9、JZ6×JZ3和JZ3×JZ6的单株产量具有最大的正向SCA效应值,分别为40.68 g和35.24 g。单株产量的反交效应差异极显著,部分自交系的反交效应方差较大。7个性状的广义遗传力从大到小依次为,雄穗分支数、株高、开花期、穗位高、抽丝期、单株产量和雄穗主轴长;狭义遗传力从大到小依次为,雄穗分支数、株高、穗位高、开花期、雄穗主轴长、抽丝期和单株产量。试验结果表明单株产量性状的显性遗传方差占比最大,狭义遗传力最小,易受环境条件的影响,对该性状的选择适宜在晚代进行;单株产量性状具有显著的反交效应,故部分自交系需严格控制正反交方式。     

Combining ability and gene action for maturity and agronomic traits in different heterotic groups of maize inbred lines and their diallel crosses

Combining ability information is necessary for selection of suitable advanced lines for hybridization and identification of promising hybrids for development of improved varieties. A number of 14 maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines and 91 related crosses were evaluated over two years, 2008 and 2009, in a temperate-zone of Iran. The objectives of the study were to identify the best general and specific combiners, heterosis and type of gene actions responsible for agronomic traits. Except for grain yield and growing degree day to milky, significant general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability were observed for all traits. The Baker ratio for plant height (0.15), ear height (0.26), growing degree day to milky stage (0.04), and grain yield (0.002) showed the predominance of non-additive gene effects in the expression of these traits. The heterosis observed for grain yield, grain number, pollination period, ear and plant height was considerably higher than that observed for other traits. The correlations (r) of F₁ means and SCA effects were positive and significantly higher than that of r (F₁, mid-parents) and r (F₁, heterosis) for all the traits except cob percent, growing degree days to silking, and physiological maturity. MO17, K3547/5, and K3615/2 had negative GCA effects for growing degree day to milky stage and maturity. Among hybrids, MO17 × K3653/2, B73 × K3651/2, and K3545/6 × K3493/1 with positive SCAs for pollination period and grain yield had also negative SCA effects for degree day to silking and milky stages. Therefore, the use of these inbred lines and hybrids increases the response to selection for increasing grain yield and early maturity in maize.     

不同种质玉米自交系穗粒性状特征分析

玉米穗粒性状是决定产量的重要因素。为了明确不同种质玉米自交系的穗粒性状特征及对种质创新和高产育种提供参考,本研究以211个不同种质玉米自交系为材料,对穗长、穗粗、穗行数、行粒数、粒长、粒宽、粒厚、百粒重和籽粒密度9个穗粒性状进行统计和系统聚类分析。结果表明,供试玉米自交系间各穗粒性状均存在显著差异,除籽粒密度外均存在较大变异系数;采用欧氏距离法进行聚类分析将供试玉米自交系分为7个类群,穗长、穗粗、行粒数和粒长均以类群G6最高,粒宽和百粒重均以类群G5最高;郑单958和先玉335两大杂交种的4个亲本自交系各自所属类群相比,4个类群分别有单个或多个自交系多个性状较优,可以为育种工作中穗粒性状的改良提供依据。     

Genetic Variation for Maize Epicuticular Wax Response to Drought Stress at Flowering

Drought stress is thought to promote epicuticular wax accumulation on maize leaves, which reduces plant water loss. We evaluated 62 maize inbred lines and their hybrid testcross progeny for epicuticular wax accumulation on flag leaves at flowering under full and limited irrigation regimes. Extracted wax was measured as a percentage of wax weight to leaf weight (WLW) and leaf area (WLA). Eleven genotypes had above average WLW as both inbred lines and hybrid testcrosses. Thirteen genotypes had above average WLA as either inbred lines or hybrid testcrosses. The drought treatment did not significantly alter WLW or WLA. Heritability of WLW was 0.17 (inbred lines) and 0.58 (hybrid testcrosses). Heritability of WLA was 0.41 (inbred lines) and 0.59 (hybrid testcrosses), suggesting it is a better trait than WLW for epicuticular wax screening. Correlations (r) between inbred lines and their testcross progeny were 0.44 and 0.18, for WLW and WLA, respectively. Heritability of grain weight per ear and plot yield was highest in hybrid testcrosses, with no correlation between inbred and hybrid germplasm. It is not warranted to evaluate epicuticular wax accumulation as the sole drought tolerance mechanism. However, it may be a good secondary trait to observe in relation to grain yield production in hybrids tested under water‐limiting conditions.     

玉米杂交种及其亲本子粒脱水速率初步研究

以辽宁省推广面积较大的6个玉米杂交种及其12个玉米亲本自交系为供试材料,采用随机区组设计,系统分析了玉米子粒脱水速率和收获时子粒含水量变化规律及脱水速率与主要性状的相关性。结果表明：杂交种和自交系的子粒鲜重在灌浆中前期呈上升趋势,灌浆后期略有降低;杂交种和自交系的子粒脱水速率在整个灌浆期逐渐下降,下降速率逐渐变小,最后趋近于零;杂交种和自交系的子粒脱水速率在不同灌浆时期和品种间差异显著;杂交种和自交系子粒的自然脱水速率和收获时子粒含水量在不同品种间差异显著,不同密度间差异不显著。子粒脱水速率与灌浆日数呈显著负相关,灌浆时间越长,脱水速率越慢;自然脱水速率与收获时子粒含水量、穗行数和百粒鲜重呈显著负相关。     

Inbreeding Depression and Other Genetic Effects in Populations of Maize Containing Highland Tropical Germplasm

A variety cross diallel of five populations of maize (Zea mays L.) was evaluated in a cool, temperate environment. Two of the parental populations were Corn Belt Dent synthetics (AS3 and BS22), one was developed from selected lines from a CIMMYT population developed for highland regions of the tropics and four Corn Belt Dent inbred lines (NZS3), and the other two had the pedigrees ‘Criollo de Toluca’× AS3² (NZS1) and ‘San Gerónimo’× BS222 (NZS2). ‘Criollo de Toluca’ is from the highlands of Mexico and ‘San Gerönimo’ is from the highlands of Peru. The objective was to study the influence of introgressing highland tropical germplasm into elite Corn Belt Dent synthetics on genetic effects, especially inbreeding depression, and to develop recommendations for the utilization of the introgressed populations. Inbreeding depression explained the greatest proportion of the variation among entries for grain yield, days to silking and plant height, but not for grain moisture at harvest and root lodging. For grain yield, NZS1, NZS2, and NZS3 had high levels of inbreeding depression and the difference between NZS1 and AS3 was statistically significant. High levels of root lodging were associated with NZS1 and high grain moisture at harvest with NZS2. These results indicate that a recurrent selection method, such as S₁ selection, which effectively reduces inbreeding depression, should be used in early cycles of selection with introgressed populations containing highland tropical germplasm.