Estimativas de Parâmetros de Heterose em Hibridos de Populaçoes F 2 de Milho

Abstract

Hybrids developed with the efficient use of heterosis contribute significantly for increasing maize yield. This study aimed to evaluate F 2 hybrid populations, concernings agronomic traits, and estimate genetic parameters of F 2 populations, as well as heterosis, by using the Gardner & Eberhart method. Higher estimates of F 2 populations effect, for grain mass, were noticed in the Pop.9, Pop.11, Pop.14, and Pop.15, being considered suitable for intrapopulational recurrent selection programs and for obtaining superior lines. The Pop.10 and Pop.16 distinguished themselves by presenting the higher effects of parental heterosis, for grain mass. The Pop.12 x Pop.10 and Pop.13 x Pop.10 hybrids showed high yield and specific heterosis effects, revealing the existence of dominant locus in the genetic control of grain mass.