Recurrent selection for seed quality traits in an opaque-2 maize population

Summary The aim of this research was to evaluate the response to phenotypic recurrent selection for four seed quality traits, i.e. protein content, dye binding capacity, tryptophan content, and specific weight, in a modified opaque-2 population of maize (Zea mays L.). Changes in other agronomic traits were also studied. Four selection cycles, using as selection criterion an index constructed from the four seed quality traits, were completed on an individual plant basis. The material from each cycle and from testerosses of each cycle with a homozygous opaque-2 tester was grown for two consecutive years to evaluate the progress due to selection. The results showed that four cycles of recurrent selection induced sizeable variations among cycles for all selected traits. The rate of progress for the four seed quality traits was nearly linear. Further-more, theldata show that improvement in seed-protein related traits had no negative effects on grain yield and kernel weight, when evaluated as the mean performance of testerosses. There was also no appreciable alteration in the other agronomic traits caused by selection for seed quality traits.