Yield and forage quality in maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the genetic diversity (agronomic attributes, forage yield, and fiber content) of 100 maize inbred lines and to identify genotypes with potential for the breeding of plants with the said traits. Design/methodology/approach: One-hundred maize inbred lines were evaluated in two environments, in a 10 x 10 complete block experimental design, with two repetitions. Days to male flowering, days to female flowering, ear height, plant height, stem diameter, green forage yield, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber data were recorded. Results: Significant differences were observed in the environmental sources of variation and genotypes for all the traits evaluated. The first four components account for 81% of the total variation observed and the first two account for 66% of the variation. The variables which have the highest absolute value and which strongly influence the dispersion of the genotypes, as well as the formation of groups, were: plant height, forage yield, and acid detergent fiber (component one) and days to female flowering and days to male flowering (component two). Consequently, the genotypes were dispersed in four groups. Study limitations/implications: It was not possible to conduct genetic diversity studies using molecular markers. Findings/conclusions: The grouping pattern of inbred lines shows the genetic diversity present; this can be an important tool in genetic improvement programs aimed at obtaining hybrids with specific characteristics.