Breeding Potential of Elite Maize Landraces to Improve Forage Yield and Quality of Two Heterotic Patterns

Abstract

Breeders recognize that the maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm base is narrow and consequently, it should be extended by the introgression of exotic germplasm. Several studies have explored the potential of open‐pollinated populations to improve grain yield, disease resistances, and other traits, but few have considered traits related to forage yield and quality. In the present study, a group of elite landraces were evaluated as sources of favorable alleles to improve two target hybrids representing two heterotic patterns, Stiff Stalk Synthetic × Lancaster Sure Crop (B73 × Mo17) and Stiff Stalk Synthetic × Argentine Orange Flint (B73 × LP122‐2). Inbred lines B73, Mo17, and LP122‐2, single crosses B73 × Mo17 and B73 × LP122‐2, and 24 inbred × landrace crosses were evaluated in four environments for stover dry matter yield (SY), ear dry matter yield (EY), in vitro digestibility of stover dry matter (iDS), and in vitro digestibility of ear dry matter (iDE). Several landraces are a potential source of favorable alleles not present in the parent inbred lines of both target hybrids for SY, EY, and iDE. ARZM17035 is the most promising landrace since it has favorable alleles for all traits not present in both target hybrids. The results indicate that landraces represent a potential source of useful genetic variability to improve forage maize.