Comparison Between some Corn Synthetic Populations Obtained from Transylvanian

Abstract

Synthetic varieties of corn are open-pollinated populations obtained by cross-pollination of a group of inbred lines. Besides the inbred lines, corn synthetics can be obtained from local populations or hybrids. In general, they are superior to local populations but not exceeding heterotic hybrids. The main advantage of corn synthetic varieties is that their heterosis does not diminish significantly in F 2 generation. Interest in this biological category increased after 1999, when CIMMYT's considered viable alternatives in areas where use of hybrid seed is too expensive (especially in developing countries). Obtaining corn synthetics from local populations aims at enriching their gene pool with a large number of valuable genes derived from local populations that are characteristic to some agricultural areas. SCDA Turda tried to exploit the large number of local populations still existing in Romania, and obtained a series of synthetics intended for areas that still practice subsistence agriculture. To assess their value, we tested six synthetics obtained from local populations in comparison with one traditional synthetic derived from inbred lines; two locations and two experimental years have been considered and the conclusions have been included in this paper. Synthetic populations derived from a combination of local populations cannot be used as such in production due to their lower yield performance and low resistance to stalk breaking and falling. Nevertheless, they can be valuable sources of genes for the following traits: vegetative period, earliness, resistance to low spring temperatures, resistance to Fusarium , precocity and the content of fat, protein, fiber and minerals.