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Variation and Associations of Kernel Growth Characteristics in Maize Populations¹

The effective filling period (EFP) of maize (Zea mays L.) has been shown to be positively associated with yield and may be useful as a selection criterion for improved yield potential. The objectives of this study were to examine the range, distribution, and associations of EFP, kernel size, and keimel growth rate in unselected, genetically variable maize populations. About 40 individual plants within each of 10 synthetic or composite populations were examined in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, 20 S₁ lines from 5 of the 10 populations were evaluated in two replications of a randomized complete block design. Significant variations for the kernel characteristics were observed among the populations as well as among genotypes (plants or S₁ progeny rows) within the populations. The amount of variation appeared large enough so that selection for improved population yield potential would not be restricted by limited initial genetic variation and that certain extreme valiants might be useful as donors of the desirable long grain filling period.

Significant phenotypic correlations were observed for maturity with the kernel characteristics in some but not all of the populations. Genetic correlations generally were of the same sign but larger than the phenotypic correlations. The correlation analyses suggested that physiological functions controlling the kernel growth characteristics could be separated from functions controlling maturity but that genetic linkages might be present in some germplasnis.

Key Words: Zea mays L. • Effective filling period • Kernel size • Kernel growth rate • Yield

² Associate professor, professor and associate professor, Dep. of Agronomy, Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, respectively; and assistant professor, Dep. of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State Univ., E. Lansing, M1 48824 (formerly assistant professor, Univ. of Kentucky).

Received for publication April 28, 1980.

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