Abstract

ESQUIVEL ESQUIVEL, Gilberto et al. Combining ability in maize with genetic divergence in the Mexican Plateau. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2013, vol.4, n.1, pp.05-18. ISSN 2007-0934.

In order to estimate the effects of the general combining ability (GCA) and the specific combining ability (SCA), 15 progenitor populations of maize race Chalqueño and 105 dialell crosses were evaluated in field under Griffing´s design II. Sowing was done during the spring-summer season, 2006 in Zotoluca and Mixquiahuala, Hidalgo and Texcoco, State of Mexico, under a lattice experimental design 12 x 12 with three replications. Eight characteristics were analyzed, obtaining highly significant differences (p< 0.01) between the localities, groups and populations within groups for yielding variables (REN), grain index (GI), ears per plant (MP), ear diameter (DM ), grain length (LGR), number of rows per ear (NH), days to male flowering (DFM) and plant height (AP). For GCA and SCA there were highly significant differences observed for the eight variables, with a greater variation in GCA than in SCA. Considering the values perse and positive effects of SCA for the evaluated variables, the populations Gto-142, Col-03-64, Col-6784, FHCH-129Fn, Zac-66, Tlax-151 and VS-22 presented the best expression in yield, morphology and phenology; we also identified crosses with high SCA effects for REN, IG, MP, DM, LGR NHM, DFM and AP. Based on the reported effects, outstanding populations were detected, highlighted by their genetic potential of Chalqueño race, resulting in significant interactions between the parent populations from different geographic origins and outstanding heterotic patterns considered feasible for maize breeding programs maize.

Keywords : Zea mays L.; Chalqueño; combining ability; cross; diallel.