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Genetic Variances and Hybrid Predictions of Maize at Two Plant Densities¹

Six quantitative traits were compared within and between two plant densities in two sets of maize (Zea mays L.) crosses (one set showing a high proportion and one small proportion of epistatic variance) for: 1) estimates genetic parameters, 2) genotype by environmental interactions, and 3) predictions of hybrid performances. Significance levels for partitions of genetic variation were similar, irrespective of plant density. However, total genetic variance of yield per unit area increased with increased plant density. When the data were transformed to yield per p!ant, genetic variances increased in the set with a high proportion of epistatic variance and decreased in the other set as plant density increased. Differences in epistatic variation may have contributed to this finding. Accurate predictions of hybrid performances within plant densities were highly improbable when a large proportion of epistatic variation was present. Predictions between plant densities were poor for yield and ear number, even with a small proportion of epistatic variation.

Key Words: Quantitative traits • Epistatic variance • Genotype by environmental interaction

² Research geneticist, ARS-USDA, and professor of genetics, North Carolina State Univ.; and professor of genetics, North Carolina State Univ., respectively.

Received for publication September 3, 1976.