Prolificacy Study of Maize ( Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines and Hybrids on ARDS-Turda

Abstract

In 2014 year, an very favourable year for maize ( Zea mays L.) crops, were studied, in the Maize breeding laboratory from ARDS-Turda, eight maize inbred lines (four prolific and four non-prolific) and eight maize hybrids (four prolific and four non-prolific).Research aims were prolificacy study on three different culture densities and correlated traits. The study was carried out for three culture densities, first density- 40,000, second density- 60,000, and third density- 80,000 plants/ha; there were determined the number of ears per plant, stalk breaking strength and crop yield production. For this study, the maize inbred lines and hybrids came from ARDS-Turda, from their own certified germplasm. The average amplitude of hybrids production ranged between 11,005 kg/ha at 40,000 plants/ha density, and 12,531 kg/ha at 80,000 plants/ha. Highest grain yield value was registered in A 451-3 hybrid production, with 15,194 kg/ha on 80,000 plants/ ha density. For the inbred lines average amplitude ranged between 5,355 kg/ha at 40,000 plants/ha density and 7,742 kg/ha at 80,000 plants/ha density. The highest grain yield value to the inbred lines was registered at TA 470 inbred line, with 9,925 kg/ha on 80,000 plants/ha density. The highest number of plant-ears was realized on A 451-3 hybrid with 2.6 ears on first density, 2.1 ears on second density and 1.6 ears/plant on third density. Also, the highest value for same character on inbred lines, was registered on PI 187, with 2.5 ears on first density and 2.0 ears on second and third densities. This research project suggest that prolificacy of maize inbred lines and hybrids is important for higher grain yield.Also the improved crop stand uniformity under lower densities is essential for stable grain yield per unit area.