Narrow-Sense Heritability for and Relationship Between Seed Imbibition and Grain Moisture Loss Rate in Maize

Abstract

ABSTRACT Heritability of seed imbibition rate (IMR) in maize (Zea mays L.) is not known. Imbibition rate could provide information on grain moisture loss rate (GMLR), were there a relationship between IMR and GMLR. The purposes of this research were: (1) to measure IMR and GMLR of F1 and F2 hybrids to estimate their narrow-sense heritability, and (2) to determine the correlation between IMR and GMLR. Thirty-five commercial hybrids (F1 seed) and their F2 seed were evaluated for IMR and GMLR estimated after imbibition. Imbibition rate was measured in six consecutive, 30-minute periods. After the final imbibition period, seeds were evaluated for GMLR in four consecutive, 15-minute periods. Narrow-sense heritabilities, determined via parent-offspring regression, were relatively high for imbibition rate (h2 n = 82%) and for grain moisture loss rate following imbibition (h2 n = 81%). Thus, both imbibition rate and grain moisture loss rate were genetically controlled traits and can be improved via cyclic selecti...