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Inheritance of Tassel Branch Number in Maize¹

We studied the inheritance of tassel branch number in maize (Zea mays L.) by analyzing data collected from five generations (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂, and F₃) of a cross involving two inbred lines that differed significantly for tassel branch number. Estimates of genetic effects and genetic variance components were obtained from generation mean analyses and expectations for generation variances, respectively. Our data indicated that: 1) tassel branch number was quantitatively inherited (minimum of eight genetic factors involved), 2) high tassel branch number was dominant to low tassel branch number (data from crosses involving other parental inbreds showed the expression of dominance was genotype dependent), 3) no reciprocal effects were detectable, 4) additive gene action was most important, but dominant gene action should be evaluated carefully in future studies, and 5) heritability estimates were high, suggesting selection for tassel branch number should be possible.

Key Words: Heritability • Generation-mean analyses • Genetic variation

² Associate Professor of Agronomy and Senior Honors Student in Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Received for publication May 13, 1974.

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