Genetic gain for grain yield and popping expansion in full-sib recurrent selection in popcorn

Abstract

A first cycle of full-sib recurrent selection was conducted in a popcorn base population, with the objective of improving popping expansion and grain yield as recommended in a previous study by Pereira and Amaral Junior (2001). Seventy five full-sib families were obtained and evaluated in a randomized complete block design, with two replications within set, in two distinct environments: Experimental Station at PESAGRO-RIO in Campos dos Goytacazes and in Itaocara, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences for families within set for all evaluated traits, indicating the presence of sufficient genetic variability to be exploited in future recurrent selection cycles. To select the superior families for recombination, the main trait was the popping expansion and at the same time, low grain yield families were avoided. So, the predicted genetic gains were respectively 10.39% and 4.69% for popping expansion and for grain yield. The relatively high genetic gain estimated for both traits is a good indication of the viability of this breeding procedure. Also, the generated population in future cycles must be evaluated in comparison to other genetic materials, to be released as a new improved popcorn variety for the North and Northwest regions of the Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.