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Continuous Backcrossing to Transfer Prolificacy to a Single-Eared Inbred Line of Maize¹

The prolificacy of C103, an inbred line of maize (Zea mays L.), was increased by crossing it to a highly prolific popcorn, backcrossing four times to the inbred with selection in each backcross population for signs of the incompletely recessive prolific trait, and then selfing to homozygosity while selecting for prolificacy. When three selections of the converted inbred were compared to the original in hybrid combinations at three rates of planting, they were more prolific but not higher yielding than the original inbred at low rates; and had less silk delay, were much less barren, and were much higher yielding than the original at high rates. These results agree with the hypothesis that prolific germplasm tends to reduce barrenness at high planting rates. They also demonstrate that continuous backcrossing can be used for rapid transfer of a quantitative trait, such as prolificacy, from exotic to adapted strains.

Key Words: Genotype x rate of planting interactions • Barrenness • Silk delay • Yield

² Director, Department of Corn Breeding, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., Johnston, IA 50131.

Received for publication June 2, 1973.

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