HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Genter, C. F. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Genter, C. F. Agricola Articles by Genter, C. F.

Comparison of S₁ and Testcross Evaluation after Two Cycles of Recurrent Selection in Maize¹

Two populations of maize (Zea mays L.), Virginia Corn Belt-Southern Synthetic (VCBS) which was developed from a broad genetic base, and Virginia Long Ear Synthetic (VLE) which was developed from intercrosses of seven Corn Belt inbred lines, were advanced two cycles of recurrent selection based on S₁ and testcross progeny yield. The 10 populations and their diallel crosses were grown at 3 locations with 6 replications at each location. Significant improvement in population yield and combining ability was achieved only with VCBS.

S₁ selection in VCBS was more effective than testcross selection in increasing both population yield and combining ability. Testcross selection was effective in increasing the frequency of genes that contribute to yield in crosses but not in populations per se whereas S₁ selection increased both combining ability and population yield. The yield of the second-cycle S₁ selection population yielded 9.0 q/ha (11%) more than the second-cycle testcross population and its mean population cross yield was 1.5 q/ha higher. The two populations derived from VCBS by S₁ selection produced significantly higher yields when intercrossed or crossed with VCBS than either population derived by testcross selection. S₁ selection in VCBS was as effective as testcross selection in increasing the frequencies of genes that contribute to yield, whether in inbred (derived) or hybrid populations.

Key Words: Population improvement • Genotype evaluation • Gene action • Gene frequency • Corn

² Professor of Agronomy, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Received for publication February 17, 1973.