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Yield Responses to Selection for Variable R-nj Expression in Early Maize¹

A mass selection technique for variable expression of R-nj aleurone pigmentation in an unreleased, experimental, early maize (Zea mays L.) synthetic (NDSC) initiated to determine if selection for the degree of anthocyanin pigmentation of the R-nj allele would produce corresponding changes in yield or yield components. Selection for high and low R-nj color expression was accomplished by pollinating a group of NDSC plants with a mixture of pollen from agronomically selected NDSC male plants and pollen from plants homozygous for the dominant R-nj allele and subsequently rating the few heterozygous kernels for proportion of the kernel exhibiting anthocyanin. Ears from the first cycle of selection were intercrossed and yield tested at two locations. Results indicated that selection for high anthocyanin expression produced improved yields at both locations. Selection for low color expression also increased yields in one test environment. Yield increases were not accompanied by changes in ear moisture content at harvest.

Key Words: Zea mays L • Mass selection • Correlated response • Anthocyanin • Aleurone • Yield components

² Associate professor of agronomy. North Dakota State Univ., Fargo

Received for publication September 12, 1979.