Exploitation of the genetic variance in maize (Zea mays L.) populations for the mexican tropic

Abstract

VS-536, The most used maize variety in the southeast of México, present favorable plant and ear traits and adaptation to the tropical conditions. The objectives of this research were to exploit the genetic variance present in maize populations, particulary in the improved version of VS-536. In mass selection is exploited the additive portion of the genetic variance. In varietal crosses of maize formed and evaluated during 2016 to 2023, there was found int the best hybrids, the presence of the VS-536 variety as parent. It suggest that an important portion of the genetic variance correspond to dominance and overdominance gene action and they can be exploited through varietal crosses as SINT4BxVS-536 and V-537CxVS-536; These crosses registered the highest grain yield across the 10 environments in Veracruz and Tabasco states of 6.84 and 6.34 t ha-1 statistically similar to H-520, used as check, that registered 6.73 t ha-1 ; Heterosis values with respect to the best parent were 15.80 and 11.21% for each cross respectively. The varietal cross SINT4BxVS-536 present short plant and ear height, tolerant to lodging, good plant and ear aspect and sanity, the leaves above the ear are in semierect position, excellent husk cover, the grain is white and present semident texture