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Performance of Stocks within Long-Time Inbred Lines of Maize in Testcrosses¹

The objective of these experiments was to determine the effect of seed stocks (sources) within long-time inbreds of maize (Zea mays L.) on their performance in hybrids. Prior to increase, the inbreds were maintained by different breeders in several states. Seed stocks within the six long-time inbred lines were compared in three-way testcrosses.

Significant differences in the hybrids, depending on geographical source of the inbreds, were observed in 9 out of 10 agronomic characters: yield, ear height, plant height, time of silking, stalk lodging, erect plants, ears per plot, dropped ears per plot, and leaf position. No significant differences occurred in grain quality. Ear height had the most significant differences. Thus, genetic changes and shifts in gene frequency may be occurring constantly within an inbred. These changes may not only affect the performance of the inbred, but also of the hybrid in which it is used.

Key Words: Zea mays L. • Corn Breeding • Genetic shift (drift) • Maize hybrids • Mutation • Natural selection • Residual heterozygosity • Seed certification

² Professor of Plant Genetics. The author expresses his thanks to G. M. Kozelnicky, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology and Plant Genetics, for his help with the experiments.

Received for publication July 28, 1970.