Abstract
This study investigated the effects of open- and self-pollination treatments on genetic estimations and kernel biochemical content in a maize diallel experiment. A 7×7 complete reciprocal diallel set (7 parents and 42 hybrids) was used as plant material. Measured traits were: kernel weight per plant, protein content, oil content and carbohydrate content. General combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), maternal effects (MAT), non-maternal effects (NMAT) and heterosis values were compared in open- and self-pollination treatments for measured traits. Results showed that the pollination treatments had a significant effect on all investigated traits. Parental lines and hybrid combinations gave different responses. Parents had relatively higher protein and oil content in self-pollination but hybrids had lower values in self-pollination compared with open-pollination. A considerable number of genotypes showed significant differences for genetic estimations (GCA, SCA, MAT, NMAT) and heterosis between open- and self-pollination treatments. Overall, findings suggest that evaluation of kernel quality traits should be made on selfed ear samples; however, evaluation for yield should be carried out on open-pollinated samples.
Highlights
Diallel analysis is used for the evaluation of parents and hybrids in maize (Zea mays L.) breeding research in order to compare their combining abilities (Bertan et al, 2007)
This study investigated the effects of open- and self-pollination treatments on genetic estimations and kernel biochemical content in a maize diallel experiment
General combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), maternal effects (MAT), non-maternal effects (NMAT) and heterosis values were compared in open- and self-pollination treatments for measured traits
Summary
Diallel analysis is used for the evaluation of parents and hybrids in maize (Zea mays L.) breeding research in order to compare their combining abilities (Bertan et al, 2007). Considering the conflicting results obtained from previous studies, and the presence of a variety of choices about pollination method, there is clearly a need for detailed investigation into the effect of different pollination methods in diallel experiments. From this standpoint, the current study was intended i) to examine changes in kernel development and structure caused by two of the most widely-used pollination methods in breeding programs (open- and self-pollination); and ii) to investigate the effect of open- and self-pollination on genetic estimations in a maize diallel experiment
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