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Genetic Analysis for Stalk Lodging Resistance in Narrow-Base Maize Synthetic Population ZPS14

Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Maize Research Institute "Zemun Polje", S. Bajica 1, P.O. Box 89, 11081 Belgrade, Yugoslavia

^* Corresponding author (djelovac{at}mrsys1.mr-net.co.yu).

Stalk lodging resistance and grain yield are the result of interactions of many traits expressed during maize (Zea mays L.) development. Determination of which traits influence stalk lodging resistance and grain yield might improve breeding program efficiency. The main objective of this study was to identify stalk traits that might relate to stalk lodging and grain yield, so that they can be selected as correlated traits for improving both grain yield and stalk quality. For this investigation, S₁ progenies were randomly derived from the Yugoslavian maize synthetic population ZPS14. Correlations and path coefficient analysis showed stalk water content had the greatest impact on stalk lodging resistance and grain yield. Genotypic correlations (r_g) revealed that stalk water content had a negative and significant influence on both percentage of lodged plants (r_g = _* 0.46*) and grain yield (r_g = _* 0.42*). Thus, improvement in grain yield and stalk lodging would be not expected from selection for stalk water content. However, a small number of S₁ families with high stalk water content and above average grain yield were identified, suggesting some progress could be made in improving both traits simultaneously if the breeding population was large. A significant genotypic relationship was not found for grain yield and stalk lodging resistance (r_g = 0.04). As shown by path analysis, direct effects of stalk lodging on grain yield were small and nonsignificant (P_1.2 = 0.003). Breeding for better stalk quality, thus, will not affect future progress of selection for grain yield.

Received for publication February 22, 1995.