Analysis of A Diallel Set of Early Flint Varieties of Maize1

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We evaluated a diallel set of 10 early flint varieties of maize (Zea mays L.) for yield and seven other traits at two planting rates (85.8 and 128.7 M plants per ha) and dates (May 3 and June 14). Dates and rates showed differences; however, except for erect plants, the interactions of entries with the two planting rates and dates were not significant. The analyses showed that the initial evaluation of the varieties and their crosses could have been made in one cultural environment for this group of varieties.Highest average yields were obtained on the early planting date (May 3) at the high rate (128.7 M/ha). Average yields for both dates and rates were 2,536 and 4,167 kg/ha for the 10 varieties and 45 variety crosses, respectively. Saskatchewan was the highest yielding variety (3,119 kg/ha). ‘Syzldecka’ ✕ ‘Motto’ was the highest yielding variety cross (5,309 kg/ha). The crosses that included Motto as one of the parents had the highest average yields (4,312 kg/ha).Average heterosis was 43% relative to the high parent and 72% relative to the midparent. Only two of the crosses (‘Alberta’ #x2715; ‘Rutherford’ and ‘Morden’ ✕ ‘Pervenets’) were lower yielding than one of the parents. Average variety heterosis (mean of parents vs. mean of crosses) was 71%. The amount of heterosis observed in the variety crosses indicates that the parent varieties were genetically diverse.