Genetic Variability and Correlations in a Modified Endosperm Texture Opaque‐2 Maize Population1

Abstract

To better understand the relationship between endosperm texture, protein quality, and other seed traits in modified endosperm (vitreous) opaque‐2 maize (Zea mays L.), estimates of additive and dominance variance, heritability, and genetic correlations were obtained for a population designated Disease Oil modified opaque‐2. Sixty S1 families were grown in 1977. In 1980, 240 S2 families (four from each S1 family) were evaluated. Families were measured for percent and degree of endosperm modification, 100 kernel weight, kernel density, plant height, percent lysine, percent protein, and lysine per 100 g of protein. All traits showed significant genetic variance. Heritability estimates were high to intermediate for all traits except kernel density. Additive genetic variance was significant and dominance variance nonsignificant for percent lysine and protein, lysine per 100 g protein and plant height. Dominance variance was significant and additive variance nonsignificant for endosperm modification, 100 kernel weight, kernel volume and density. Endosperm modification was negatively correlated with percent lysine, percent protein, and lysine per 100 g protein. Therefore, selection for endosperm modification should be accompanied by selection for lysine content to insure levels similar to non‐modified opaque‐2 material. Endosperm modification was highly positively correlated with kernel density.