Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate four selection indexes and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) for predicting genetic gain in maize hybrids used for silage. The genetic gain was compared between four selection indexes and BLUP. Nineteen topcross hybrids and five controls were evaluated using a completely randomized block design with four replicates in two areas located in Campos dos Goytacazes and Itaocara, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the growing season 2013-2014. Plant height, first ear height, average stem diameter, grain yield at the silage stage, and green mass yield were evaluated. The genetic gain was predicted using the selection indexes proposed by Pesek and Baker, Smith and Hazel, Mulamba and Mock, Willians, and BLUP. The index of Mulamba and Mock provided higher gain estimates for selecting hybrids. BLUP was efficient and selected hybrids with higher performance than hybrids obtained using the four selection indexes. Hybrids UENF-2205, UENF-2208, UENF-2209, and UENF-2210 presented better performance, indicating the high potential of these dent hybrids for silage production in the north and northwest regions of Rio de Janeiro.
Highlights
Maize is the most important crop for silage production in Brazil because of its favorable agronomic and bromatological characteristics
Topcross hybrids were obtained from an area belonging to Barra do Pomba Island Experimental Station located in Itaocara in the northwest region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The index proposed by Mulamba and Mock provided the highest selection gain for GY and green mass yield (GMY) and, was the most adequate for selecting hybrids in the present study
Summary
Maize is the most important crop for silage production in Brazil because of its favorable agronomic and bromatological characteristics. The use of maize for silage increases farm productivity by increasing milk production and animal weight gain (DEMINICIS et al, 2009). In this context, silage maize continues to be one of the best supplementation options in the dry season because of the high dry matter production capacity per unit area, high green mass yield per hectare, good silage quality, high fermentability during storage, and good acceptance by the animals (RESTLE et al, 2006). The best maize hybrids intended for grain production are usually recommended for silage production because genetic improvement programs in Brazil give greater emphasis to developing hybrids for grain production (GOMES et al, 2004). The agronomic characterization of genetic material is essential for obtaining high-quality silage (ROSA et al, 2004)
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