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Mass selection for prolificacy in maize

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Summary

Results of 5 generations of selection for improved productivity in corn by selecting for prolificacy, a correlated trait, are reported. The regression for gain in yield per cycle of selection relative to the parental variety, Hays Golden, was 6.28%. This compares favorably with a previously reported gain from mass selection in the same variety using weight of grain per plant as the selection trait. The greater effectiveness of selection where prolificacy was the primary trait is believed due to higher selection intensity used as well as higher heritability.

Zusammenfassung

Die Ergebnisse einer über 5 Generationen durchgeführten Selektion auf Erhöhung der Ertragsfähigkeit bei Mais werden mitgeteilt. Es wurde auf Fruchtbarkeit (Anzahl gut entwickelter Kolben), ein korreliertes Merkmal, ausgelesen. Die Regression für den Ertragszuwachs je Selektionszyklus betrug, bezogen auf die elterliche Sorte ‘Hays Golden’, 6,28%. Das stimmt gut mit einem früher schon berichteten Anstieg nach Massenselektion der gleichen Sorte überein, wo als Selektionsmerkmal das Korngewicht je Pflanze diente. Das bessere Ergebnis der Selektion auf Fruchtbarkeit wird auf die angewendete größere Selektionsintensität und die höhere Heritabilität zurückgeführt.

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Dedicated to Dr. George F. Sprague on the occasion of his 65th birthday.

Published with the approval of the Director as Paper No. 2043 Journal Series of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station.

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Lonnquist, J.H., Peterson, C.P. Mass selection for prolificacy in maize. Züchter / Genet. Breed. Res. 37, 185–188 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00329527

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00329527

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