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.     

A comparison of methods for hybrid seed production using self-incompatibility in swedes (Brassica napus ssp. napobrassica)

Procedures for producing seed of hybrid swedes using self-incompatibility were examined. Single-cross, double-cross and modified double-cross hybrids were compared in isolation plots using natural pollinators and in polythene tunnels using blow-flies. With good coincidence of flowering and the same flower colour, nearly 100% hybrid seed was produced by natural pollinators with the single-crosses, the double-cross and one of the two modified double-cross hybrids; the other modified double-cross hybrid produced 87%hybrid seed. With poor coincidence of flowering and different flower colours the proportion of hybrids dropped to 61%. Using different flower colours and blow-flies as pollinators in polythene tunnels, higher levels of outcrossing were produced than in isolation plots with natural pollinators; the opposite result was obtained when the same flower colour was used. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Diallel study of open-pollinated maize varieties in Trinidad

Summary In Trinidad, maize (Zea mays L.) is primarily harvested in the immature stage as green ears for human consumption. The purchase of popular imported hybrid seed has become a substantial component of the economic inputs of maize production. The objectives of this study were to investigate combining abilities and heterotic patterns among available open-pollinated varieties and to assess correlations among five important traits: time to silking, plant height, grain yield, ear size, and marketable ears per hectare. General combining ability was significant for all traits. Specific combining ability was significant for all traits except ear size. Three intervarietal crosses showed moderate levels of heterosis (10–27%), and several yielded similarly to the control hybrids, Pioneer X304 and Pioneer 3078. The cross Acid Soil Tolerant 1991 SA-3 X ICTA Farm Corn was selected as the most suitable base population for mass selection. Phenotypic and genotypic correlations among the five traits studied were all positive and significant. Populations which flowered early were shorter and yielded less than the late flowering and taller populations and population crosses included in this study.     

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.     

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.     

The characterization and assessment of genetic diversity among maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids that are widely grown in France: Chromatographic data and isozymic data

Summary Zein chromatographic and isozyme electrophoretic data were used to characterize 61 hybrids of maize (Zea mays L.) that are of current widespread usage in France. A similar study was also carried out for 88 hybrids that are widely available in the central corn belt of the U.S. Objectives were to 1) investigate the degree to which isozyme and chromatographic data could provide unique hybrid identification; 2) to evaluate the wealth of genetic diversity available among hybrids that are currently cultivated in France and in the U.S.; and 3) to compare the patterns and extent of genetic diversity found in both countries with respect to their registration, breeding, and seed production practices.Isozyme data showed that all French hybrids were unique germplasm. However, numerous hybrids had chromatographic profiles that were identical for 11 major peaks and these hybrids could thus have some common germplasm at least among their female parental lines. Although there was a broad base of isozymic diversity among French hybrids, the amount in cultivation was less since the few most widely used hybrids, which were planted on approximately half the cultivated area, were similar for their isozymic and zein chromatographic profiles. Approximately only 50% of the U.S. hybrids were shown to be unique with the remainder classified into groups; at least some of the hybrids within each group could be genetically identical products. Leading U.S. hybrids were unique germplasm but numerous hybrids that collectively covered a large acreage appeared to encompass a relatively narrow genetic base.For the continued success of agriculture, it will be important to improve breeding, registration, and marketing practices in order to ensure the continued supply of genetically different and improved elite hybrids.     

26个玉米杂交组合农艺性状的相关性与主成分分析

为有效筛选杂交玉米种F1代的优势种,以内蒙古奈曼旗当地的推广品种‘京科958’(’JK958’)作为对照样品,观察和测量了26个玉米杂交组合F1代16个不同的农艺性状,通过统计学分析筛选出品系57、品系582、品系264、品系320等与对照样品‘JK958’农艺性状相近。应用多元统计分析,将多维彼此无关的杂交玉米的多个农艺性状数据线性简化,得出的结果更加直观易懂。通过分析结果可更加直观地看出品系(品种)之间的亲缘关系,这一分析方法可为玉米杂交种多个农艺性状的量化分析提供一个全新的思路,能够有效缩短培育周期,简化选育过程,也可为日后玉米杂交育种的筛选工作给予参考。     

Challenges and opportunities for developing maize cultivars in the public sector

Maize (Zea mays L.) breeding programs integrating pre-breeding with cultivar development are needed. The objectives of the North Dakota corn breeding program are to adapt exotic and unique germplasm, maximize the genetic improvement of adapted germplasm, and develop unique short-season products for breeding and commercial use. This applied program has significant support from state maize grower organizations, farmers, food and fuel processors, and industry. As a result 25 inbred lines and 17 improved populations, carrying unique alleles not present in the B73 line and the Nested Association Mapping population (NAM) genomes, were released in the past 10 years and six hybrids were identified for commercial purposes. These included the first releases from our NDSU EarlyGEM program to increase the genetic diversity of U.S. northern hybrids and break environmental margins. These are not registered nationally due to exclusive agreements with industry. The strategic location of this research program allows the exploitation of challenging environmental conditions making evolution toward desirable goals faster, discarding unstable and weak maize varieties effectively. There are still several challenges to be addressed though. Retailer companies offer fewer products with more events making maize more vulnerable due to similar genetics. The confidential nature of the maize business limits breeding rights to develop better industry products, which currently reduces the breeding efficiency to identify the most outstanding hybrids for farmers across regions. Maize research, development, and production in marginal regions can be uniquely positioned to lead breeding research for climate changes and the development of the next generation of genetically broad-based elite products. Improvements in intellectual property and re-thinking of breeding rights access are encouraged.     

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.     

冀鲁豫夏玉米区玉米杂交种群体生育型演变──Ⅰ．演化阶段与演进基本途径

在实验基础上,从群体生育型演变进化角度分析了冀鲁豫夏玉米区六十年代初至九十年代初三十年间玉米杂交种种性提高的自然现象,明确了玉米杂交种群体生育型以产量行为与抗斑一倒行为的持续改良为基本途径演进。极端杂交种株粒重提高了４８．４％,叶斑指数与倒折率分别下降了４．３与１．２个百分点。演进过程界定为四个演化阶段：Ⅰ．六十年代,以新单１、白单４为代表;Ⅱ．七十年代前期,以群单１０５、丹玉６为代表;Ⅲ．七十年代后期至八十年代初,以郑单２、博单１为代表;Ⅳ．八十年代前期至九十年代初,以烟单１４和掖单２为代表。玉米杂交种群体生育型演变进化遵循“多元动态代谢结群,系统吐纳循序渐进”的生物进化规律。     

Leaf Cell‐Wall Components as Influenced in the First Phase of Salt Stress in Three Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids Differing in Salt Resistance

The leaf cell wall (CW) chemical composition of three maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids (salt‐resistant SR 03 and SR 12, salt‐sensitive Pioneer 3906) was investigated in the first phase of salt stress (100 mm NaCl) compared with the control (1 mm NaCl) treatment to investigate whether changes in CW composition were responsible for shoot growth reduction. Salt treatment caused a strong inhibition in shoot growth with a concomitant increase in the ratio between CW dry mass (DM) and shoot fresh mass (FM) and a decrease in CW cellulose concentrations in all hybrids. NaCl caused a large increase in the concentrations of total and non‐methylated uronic acid (UA) in salt‐sensitive Pioneer 3906 and salt‐resistant SR 12. The onset of the accumulation of non‐methylated UA was delayed in SR 12, which indicates that this may be one reason for the better growth performance of this hybrid under salt stress compared with Pioneer 3906. It is concluded that a low accumulation of non‐methylated UA in leaf CW may, among other mechanisms, contribute to salt resistance in the first phase of salt stress.     

Trends of grain yield and plant traits in Chinese maize cultivars from the 1950s to the 2000s

Retrospective analyses may provide an understanding of unexploited genetic potential and indicate possible pathways for future yield improvement. The objectives of this study were to present maize(Zea mays L.)yield trends and plant traits changes for maize cultivars from the 1950s to the 2000s in China. Trials were conducted at three locations in 2007 and 2008, and at four locations in 2009. Twenty-seven single hybrids, four double-cross hybrids, and four open-pollinated varieties, were grown at three densities at each location each year. 56% of total yield gain was contributed to breeding from 1950 to 2000. New hybrids had more resistance to compound stress. Levels of response of all hybrids to higher-yielding environments were similar, and greater than that of OPVs. All maize cultivars showed morphological changes for all characteristics tested in a volatile manner from 1950 to 2000, except for relatively stable leaf number. ASI decreased and tolerance to root lodging improved, which were enhanced at higher plant densities. There were no trends for other characteristics at higher densities. Shorter maturity, smaller plant size and more tolerance to root and stalk lodging will be required for further yield improvement. Chinese maize yield improvement can benefit from agronomic strategies at higher plant densities.     

Inbreeding and hybrid production in marrow-stem kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. Acephala D.C.)

The production of hybrid seed on a commercial scale is discussed. It is suggested that the special problems connected therewith are not great and that the hybrid seed need not be appreciably more expensive than seed produced in the normal way.A system for selecting desirable double-cross hybrids is suggested as a working pattern for a practical breeding programme based on this approach.     

Genetic and statistical models for estimating genetic parameters of maize seedling resistance to Fusarium graminearum Schwabe root rot

Root lodging is an important problem in corn fields. Fungi recovered from roots include seedling blight and stalk rot pathogens. The objective of this work was to study the inheritance of maize seedling resistance to pathogens causing maize lodging. The Fusarium graminearum strain, 241 Fr1, was isolated from maize lodged plants and identified as the most pathogenic isolate for root rotting. Nine inbred lines of maize and their diallel F₁ crosses plus control genotypes were studied. Seedlings were inoculated at the stage of four-leaves. Disease severity was measured as percentage of the root rotted area. Highly significant differences between inoculated and non-inoculated genotypes were found. Four genetic models and two statistical approaches—the mixed model for the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) and the general linear model (GLM)—were used for the analysis. Favorable heterosis of resistance of hybrids over inbreds was the most important effect detected. The general combining ability (GCA) effects were significant for all genetic models and statistical methods studied, and a good agreement existed among the GCA estimates by the different methods. The type of gene action, either additive or dominance, showed a large variation among the parental inbreds and hybrids. Selection of additive effects based exclusively on inbred lines is not sufficient to confer resistance to hybrids, additional selection should be practiced on hybrids to look for favorable dominance effects. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Creation of new maize germplasm using alien introgression from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zea mays</Emphasis> ssp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">mexicana</Emphasis>

Zea mays ssp. mexicana, an annual wild relative of maize, has many desirable characteristics for maize improvement. To transfer alien genetic germplasm into maize background, F₁ hybrids were generated by using Z. mays ssp. mexicana as the female parent and cultivated maize inbred line Ye515 as the male parent. Alien introgression lines, with a large range of genetic diversity, were produced by backcross and successive self-pollinations. A number of alien introgression lines with the predominant traits of cultivated maize were selected. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) proved that small chromosome segments of Z. mays ssp. mexicana had been integrated into the maize genome. Some outstanding alien introgression lines were evaluated in performance trials which showed 54.6% hybrids had grain yield greater than that of hybrid check Yedan12 which possessed 50% Ye515 parentage, and 17.1, 9.9% hybrids had grain yield competitive or greater than those of Nongda108 and Zheng958, which were elite commercial hybrids in China, respectively. The results indicated that some of the introgression lines had excellent agronomic traits and combining ability for maize cultivar, and demonstrated that Z. mays ssp. mexicana was a valuable source for maize breeding, and could be used to broaden and enrich the maize germplasm.     

Taxonomy of Mexican landraces of maize,Zea mays,based on their resistance to European corn borer,Ostrinia nubilalis

Summary The resistance to the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), of thirty-seven indigenous landraces of Mexican maize was examined. The relationship of resistance and existing taxonomy of maize according to Wellhausen et al., (1952), was subjected to numerical analyses. Variables examined were: seedling DIM-BOA content, the extent of leaf feeding damage by early instar larvae both in the field and in the laboratory, the extent of plant breakage and stalk tunneling by late instar larvae, plant height, and the extent of fungal damage by Gibberella zeae and Ustilago maydis. Significant differences in resistance among the major taxonomic groupings were reflected in the existing taxonomy of maize (Wellhausen et al., 1952). The most resistant landrace grouping was Wellhausen et al.'s Prehistoric Mestizos. Eighty-five percent of a series of modern inbred lines, pools, and Argentine landraces were found to have affinities with one of the more susceptible groupings, the Ancient Indigenous Races, based upon analysis of the resistance data.     

新型玉米杂交种‘豫单112’的特异性分析

通过分析玉米新品种‘豫单112’的特征特性,以期为该品种的大面积推广提供理论依据。利用二环系法结合单倍体技术选育的优良玉米自交系‘L217’和‘L119A’组配成优良玉米杂交种‘豫单112’,基于两年17个点的区域试验,对其产量、品质以及抗病特性进行分析。结果表明,该品种产量比对照种‘郑单958’平均提高9%以上,在穗长、行粒数、轴粗、穗粒重和出籽率等穗部性状方面优于对照;籽粒容重达782 g/L、粗蛋白12.4%、粗脂肪4.04%、粗淀粉70.84%和赖氨酸0.33%,属优质品种;抗多种主要病害,并在小斑病、弯胞菌叶斑病、矮花叶病等抗性方面明显优于对照;其遗传基础不同于目前生产上大面积利用的杂交种‘郑单958’和‘先玉335’。该品种是新型的强优势玉米杂交种,具有广阔的推广应用前景。     

The effect of the opaque-2 gene on yield in maize

Summary It is difficult to use opaque-2 hybrids mainly because of their present low yield as compared with that of normal hybrids.Our studies were based on an experimental design allowing the comparison between 10 normal hybrids and their opaque-2 counterparts.The differences between normal and opaque-2 hybrids indicate that the opaque-2 (o ₂) gene chiefly affects kernel characters, and slightly some other characters.The observed phenotypical variability is mainly related with genetical causes. This means that the selection for suitable hybrid combinations may lessen the opaque-2 negative effects, which should be possible without modifying the protein quality of the opaque-2 maize.     

不同年代玉米品种苗期耐旱性的比较分析

我国北方地区时常发生春旱,严重影响玉米生产。因此苗期耐旱性是玉米育种中需要考虑的一个重要性状。本试验选用20世纪50年代以来玉米品种35个, 包括50年代农家种4个,60年代双交种4个,70年代以后的单交种27个,在旱棚内鉴定苗期耐旱性,调查幼苗的生物量(鲜重和干重), 计算各品种的耐旱系数,分析苗期耐旱系数随年代及年份变化的趋势,并根据耐旱指数对70年代以来的27个单交种进行聚类。结果表明,干旱处理对供试品种生物量的影响显著。我国玉米品种的苗期耐旱性50至60年代快速提高,60年代及70年代以后呈下降趋势,70年代以来的27个单交种可分为3类,耐旱性强杂交种有鲁单50、群单105、农大108、掖单13、掖单4号、郑单2号,耐旱性弱的杂交种有农大3138、农大60、沈单16,其余为中间类型。下一步育种工作的重点之一是在自交系选育中加大干旱压力,为进而培育耐旱的杂交种奠定基础。     

New maize × Tripsacum hybrids for maize improvement

Summary Approximately 27 000 maize x tripsacum pollinations were made and 19 hybrids were identified. Fourteen of these hybrids were of the classical type, which possesses the full gametic complement of chromosomes from each parent. These hybrids are more like tripsacum than maize. They are perennial, tiller profusely, and begin to flower in approximately two years from germination. So far, none of these hybrids has produced pollen and all backcrosses have been unsuccessful.Five of the 19 hybrids were not of the classical type, and possessed a variable number of chromosomes in cells of the same root tip. Most cells examined contained 20 maize and no tripsacum chromosomes. Other cells contained 20 maize chromosomes and up to eight of tripsacum. However, in at least three hybrids some cells contained a total of 20 chromosomes, of which up to four were tripsacum substitution chromosomes. These five non-classical hybrids are more maize-like, and are annual. Most have flowered within three months of germination. Although they have produced no viable pollen, four plants have set seed after backcrossing to maize.The production of F₁ hybrids is discussed with view to their subsequent assessment and utilization for maize improvement.