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Use of R-nj Aleurone Color to Improve Grain Yields of Early Maize¹

Effectiveness of a mass selection technique utilizing variable R-nj aleurone color expression to select for a correlated yield response in maize (Zea mays L.) was evaluated in 10 North Dakota environments. Two cycles of mass selection for high and low color expression for ears pollinated with a common source of R-nj pollen were compared with randomly selected check populations. Selection for high R-nj color expression increased observed yields 0.3 q/ha/cycle and reduced ear moisture at harvest 1.6%/cycle. True gains were estimated to be 2.8 q/ha for yield and – 1.2% for ear moisture. Yield increase was due to an increase in kernels/row. Shelling percentage also was increased.

Low R-nj color selections had a similar trend toward higher yields, but specific yield instability estimated by deviations from regression was increased as compared to random selection. The low color expression populations had greater ability to respond to high yield environments than the high color expression populations.

Direct evidence on the effects of color selection on duration and rate of grain fill was not obtained, therefore, the hypothesis that selection for high R-nj color expression parallels increased grain-fill rate and/or duration could not be tested. This selection method appears promising for maize improvement and should be subjected to more research to determine why yield differences were associated with aleurone color expressions.

Key Words: Zea mays L. • Mass selection • Correlated response • Yield components • Yield stability

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

Received for publication September 17, 1980.