Genetic analysis of tassel size and leaf senescence and their relationships with yield in two tropical Lowland maize populations

Primary tassel branch number, tassel weight, and leaf senescence are among plant traits which affect maize plant yielding efficiency. Two random mating tropical maize populations were used to estimate genetic components of variance and heritability, and to quantify the amount of genetic variability....

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAfrican crop science journal Vol. 4; no. 3
Main Authors Guei, R.G, Wassom, C.E
Format Journal Article
Published Uganda African Crop Science Society 31.12.1996
Subjects
Additive variance
dominance variance
genetic variability
Heritabilite
heritability
leaf senescence
senescence des feuilles
tassel size
variabilite genetique
variance additive
variance dominante
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Summary:Primary tassel branch number, tassel weight, and leaf senescence are among plant traits which affect maize plant yielding efficiency. Two random mating tropical maize populations were used to estimate genetic components of variance and heritability, and to quantify the amount of genetic variability. Full-sibs within half-sib groups were developed using the mating Design I, and were evaluated at two locations for 2 seasons in Mexico. Results showed that large amounts of genetic variability were present in both populations for all traits. Additive genetic variance was greater in magnitude than dominance variance. Negative phenotypic and genotypic correlations were found between tassel size, leaf senescence, and yield. Selection based on these traits may be appropriate for increased yield. Overall, the inheritance of the traits measured depended on the genetic background of the population and the environmental conditions.
ISSN:1021-9730