Performances of Popcorn Hybrids in Three Geographical Regions of Turkey Based on Yield and Quality Traits

Abstract

Popcorn is different from other maize types with especially its popping ability. Popcorn has special place in human nutrition by reason of the fact that nutrient content. Evaluation of popcorn experimental hybrids in different geographical regions gives breeders valuable clues in selection best hybrids for the target environments. In the present study, 44 experimental hybrids plus 5 commercial checks total 49 popcorn crosses were tested in there different geographical regions of Turkey. The research was carried out in Samsun (Northern Turkey), Cankiri (Middle Anatolia) and Antalya (Mediterranean of Turkey) ecological conditions in 2016; Also quality studies of this research was carried out in Karaman in 2017. The field experiments were conducted in a 7×7 lattice design using three replications. Grain yield of the hybrids were determined in field experiments. Furthermore; popping volume, unpopped kernels ratio and kernel size as quality traits were examined. According to the results, almost ten hybrids have performed above standards. On the other hand, overall (field and laboratory) results of the study revealed that TBCM2015-41, 56, 62, 76 and TBCM2015-80 experimental hybrids were promising popcorn hybrids for the tested environments. Prominent variety candidates in the research will be tried to gain future agriculture of the country.