Biometrical studies on maize (Zea mays L.) food quality characteristics using the diallel mating system with five inbred parents grown in three environments /
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| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1990.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to OAKTrust copy |
| Abstract: | An experiment was undertaken to determine the environmental influence, and genetic relationship of characters associated with food maize quality. Five inbred lines were used in a diallel mating scheme to produce 10 F₁ progeny, their reciprocals, and parents. Replicated field trials were grown in three environments, and plot data were taken on grain yield and test weight. Plot samples were used to collect data on number of floaters, 100 kernel weight, kernel density, and ease of pericarp removal. Results showed significant differences existed among environments, parents, and progeny for all characters. Significant heterosis was indicated for all traits. Coefficients of variation were similar across environments. Generally, significant genotype by environment interactions were detected for kernel characters. Hybrids generally had higher means than parents. Few significant correlations were observed for the parents. Generally, the F₁ gave highly significant correlations for most characters. High correlations between number of floaters and ease of pericarp removal suggests the possibility of screening for ease of pericarp removal using number of floaters. Results from Hayman's diallel analysis indicated presence of additive and nonadditive variance, and significant variance due to unequal allele distributions for all characters. Reciprocal effects were not indicated for the characters studied. Results suggest lines can be selected for either easy or difficult pericarp removal. However, this character is controlled primarily by dominance, and a strong environmental influence exists. Therefore, direct selection of parents with specific pericarp removal attributes to produce hybrids having those attributes would not be possible. A program of progeny testing to improve pericarp removal is indicated. |
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| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Plant breeding." |
| Physical Description: | xiii, 143 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |