Popcorn Genotypes Research Articles

Variation in the Growth and Popping Indicators of Argentina-derived Popcorns in Vietnam

The development of popcorn genotypes that are high-yielding and with high popping abilities is fundamental to the expansion of popcorn production. In this study, a total of 23 newly developed full-sib FS3 lines of popcorn were evaluated under upland field conditions in the spring cropping season in 2021. The plant genotypes were evaluated for growth duration, plant height, number of leaves, ears/plant, ear length, ear diameter; the number of kernels, seeds per row, 1000-seeds weight, seed yield, and the proportion of floury endosperm, and popping indicator. Our results showed that the growth duration of the popcorn lines ranged from 96 - 121 days, plants were between 103.7 - 200.6 cm in height, and the number of leaves ranged between 12.92-18.13. The number of ears/plant, ear length, ear diameter, and number of kernel rows and seeds per row were 0.3-1.3, 9.6 - 20 cm, 2.3 - 4.2 cm, 7.33 -13.6 and 6.2 - 31.9, respectively. The popcorn lines were diverse in grain color and classified into white, yellow, black, pink, white yellow, and white pink. The grain yield varied from 2.13 - 64.58 quintals/ha, in which NO-11 had the highest yield of 64.58 quintals/ha. Popping indicators varied among genotypes and were negatively and positively correlated with 1000-seed weight and proportion of floury endosperm, respectively. In this study, we identified some genetic resources, such as NO-2, NO-12, NO-14, NO-20, and NO-22, which had the best popping ability. These resources will provide insights into the mechanisms of popping ability and important materials for breeding programs. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(3): 285-294, 2024

Characterization of the Bipolaris maydis: symptoms and pathogenicity in popcorn genotypes (Zea mays L.).

Southern corn leaf blight (SCLB) is one of the most important corn leaf diseases. Appropriate management strategies and the use of resistant cultivars allow disease control. Therefore, knowing the aspects related to the pathogen and the response of hosts makes it possible to design efficient strategies for selecting genotypes resistant to this disease. In this sense, the objective was to carry out the Bipolaris maydis isolate characterization, evaluating the pathogenicity in different popcorn lines and the symptoms generated in the host after inoculation. The isolate characterization consisted of the macromorphological evaluation of the colonies and the micromorphological evaluation of the conidia in the PDA medium. An experiment was carried out in a greenhouse to evaluate the pathogenicity of the isolate, using 20 inbred lines of popcorn in a randomized block design with four replicates. Inoculation was carried out by spraying leaves, with a suspension containing 1.0 x 104 conidia.ml-1 of the CF/UENF 501 isolate of B. maydis. An incidence assessment and three assessments of disease symptom severity were performed, with seven days intervals between evaluations. The morphological characterization data of the isolate were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and for disease severity, the linear regression model was applied the first-degree model. The variance analysis was performed for the linear and angular coefficients obtained for each treatment. When a difference was found, the Scott-Knott clustering algorithm at 5% significance was applied. The isolate had gray-green colonies, a cottony appearance, and an irregular shape. The lines L353, L354, and L624 show more resistance at the beginning and throughout the evaluations. The high virulence of the CF/UENF 501 isolate made it possible to differentiate the lines in terms of disease intensity and the pattern of symptoms presented.

Selection of popcorn genotypes resistant to Spodoptera frugiperda and identification of resistance-related key traits


 The Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the most deleterious pests of popcorn and the identification of resistant genotypes is determinant in breeding programs. The objective of this study was to select popcorn genotypes resistant to S. frugiperda and the key traits related to the identification of resistance. The popcorn varieties UEM J1, Composto Márcia, Arachida, Composto Gaúcho, and Zapalote Chico (resistant check) were evaluated in a completely randomized design with 100 replications. The experimental unit consisted of one Petri dish, containing plant material and a caterpillar The following traits were evaluated: larval stage duration (LSt), food intake weight(IW), final larva weight (FW), mean larva weight (MW), feces (F), assimilated (A) and metabolized food weight (M), relative consumption rate (RCR), relative metabolic rate (RMR), relative growth rate (RGR), conversion efficiency of ingested food (CEI), apparent digestibility (AD), conversion efficiency of digested food (CED), and leaf area consumed (LAC). The diagnosis of multicollinearity, analysis of canonical variables, genetic divergence, hierarchical clustering, factor analysis and canonical correspondence analysis were carried out to perform multivariate analysis. After the multicollinearity test, the traits FW, IW, RCR, AD, and LAC were maintained for further analysis. The traits IW, FW and AD were determinant in the resistance by antixenosis expressed by the varieties Zapalote Chico and Arachida, for the varieties Composto Gaúcho and Composto Márcia the determining characteristics were RCR and LAC and for the variety UEM J1 the variable LAC showed greater importance. Variety Arachida was considered resistant to S. frugiperda by antixenosis and can be used in the future as a source of favorable alleles to breed resistant popcorn hybrids. The traits relative consumption rate, apparent digestibility and leaf area consumed were considered key traits in the identification of resistance against S. frugiperda in popcorn genotypes.

Determination of Yield and Yield Components of Popcorn (Zea mays L. everta) Genotypes

This research was conducted in Samsun Bafra conditions in 2021, using a total of 19 different genotypes of popcorn, which differ from other corn subspecies in terms of grain size and usage area, and have gained popularity for snacking purposes. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The study examined plant height, main stem diameter, leaf number, cob length, cob diameter, cob row number, number of kernels per cob, cob weight, kernel weight, and grain yield of the popcorn genotypes. It was determined that there is a statistically significant relationship between these examined parameters and genotypes. According to the results of the experiment, plant height in popcorn genotypes ranged from 128.33 to 207.00 cm, main stem thickness varied between 11.91 and 20.20 mm, leaf number per plant ranged from 8.33 to 12.33, cob length varied from 11.60 to 20.33 cm, cob diameter ranged from 27.63 to 36.49 mm, cob row number varied between 12.00 and 15.67, and the number of kernels per cob ranged from 405.67 to 772.67. The grain yield values ranged from 183.05 to 482.43 kg/da. The research determined that the average grain yields of populations and lines were higher than the overall average of popcorn cultivars. When considering grain yield and yield parameters, the TBCM-6 line stood out. According to the biplot analysis, it was observed that the P2 and P3 populations, along with the TBCM-3, TBCM-4, TBCM-6, TBCM-23, TBCM-44, and TBCM-62 lines, excelled in terms of yield and yield components.

Assessing Combining Abilities of Popcorn Inbred Lines for Agronomic and Root Traits under Contrasting Water Conditions: Towards Developing Drought-Tolerant Genotypes

Developing popcorn genotypes that are adapted to water-deficit conditions is crucial due to the significant impact of this abiotic stress on grain yield. This study aimed to assess the combining abilities of preselected popcorn lines for agronomic and root traits under well-watered and water-stressed conditions. A circulating diallel analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of the general and specific combining abilities of 10 lines and their respective hybrids for various traits, including productivity, popping expansion, expanded popcorn volume, 100-grain weight, ear length, ear width, support root angle, crown root angle, number of support roots, number of crown roots, density of support roots, and density of crown roots. Non-additive action genes predominantly influenced the agronomic traits under both water conditions. In contrast, the root traits displayed a greater proportion of additive action gene expression under both conditions, despite being significantly affected by the environment. Lines L61, L71, and L76 demonstrated positive and high effects for general combining ability. The hybrids L65/L76, L71/L76, and L61/L75, in addition to exhibiting satisfactory effects of their specific combining ability, also displayed the most favorable phenotypic responses for most agronomic and root traits, making them ideal candidates for inclusion in popcorn breeding programs aiming to develop drought-tolerant genotypes.

All Are in a Drought, but Some Stand Out: Multivariate Analysis in the Selection of Agronomic Efficient Popcorn Genotypes

The search for productive germplasm adapted to adverse conditions is an important action to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. The aim was to identify the yield potential of 50 popcorn inbred lines grown in field conditions, in two crop seasons (CS), and under contrasting water conditions (WC). Morphoagronomic, physiological, and root system traits were evaluated. Joint and individual analyses of variance were performed, in addition to the multivariate GT bip-lot analysis. Expressive reductions between WC were observed in 100-grain weight (100 GW), popping expansion (PE), grain yield (GY), expanded popcorn volume per ha (EPV), row number per ear (RNE), plant height (PH), relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), and nitrogen balance index (NBI). It was found that the SPAD, 100 GW, GY, PE, and grain number per ear (GNE) traits had the most significant impact on the selection of genotypes. Regardless of WC and CS, the ideal lines were L294 and L688 for PE; L691 and L480 for GY; and L291 and L292 for both traits. SPAD, 100 GW, and GNE can contribute to the indirect selection. Our work contributes to understanding the damage caused by drought and the integration of traits for the indirect selection of drought-tolerant popcorn genotypes.

Cultivation of Local Popcorn Genotypes as a Second Crop in Kahramanmaras Conditions

Popcorn is a snack plant with widespread consumption in our country and around the world. Although the increasing commercialization rate in agriculture with the spread of hybrid varieties has narrowed the production area of local plant species, the production of local pop corn varieties still continue today. Therefore, in this study, 17 local popcorn genotypes and 3 commercial popcorn cultivars were grown as the second crop in Kahramanmaraş climatic conditions. In the study, local popcorn genotypes were determined by plant height, first ear height, first node diameter, ear length, ear diameter, the row number of ear, the number of grain on the ear row, number of ears per plant, and ear tassel-out time, ear silk-out time, grain yield per decare and the relationships between these properties were investigated. According to the results of the research, the plant height of the local popcorn populations was 216 - 166 cm, the height of the first ear 107 -63 cm, the diameter of the first node 22.6 - 16.7 mm, the diameter of the node of ear 16.4 -11.8 mm, ear length 17.267 – 12.833 cm, ear diameter 32.513 – 26.120 mm, the row number of ear 16.8 -12.26, the number of grain on the ear row 38.86 -26.33, the number of ears per plant 1.8 -12 pieces, ear silk-out time 56 -48 days, the ear tassel-out time 68 -56 days and grain yield per decare 478 -260 kg da-1. In the study, positive correlations were found between first ear height and plant height, ear length and ear diameter, the number of grain on the ear row and ear length, the ear tassel-out time and grain yield per decare, ear silk-out time and first node diameter, ear silk-out time and the ear tassel-out time.

Phenotyping Latin American Open-Pollinated Varieties of Popcorn for Environments with Low Water Availability.

Drought is a common abiotic stress in tropical and subtropical regions that limits the growth and development of agricultural crops, mainly impacting grain yield. Acting through plant breeding is the most viable alternative for obtaining genotypes more tolerant of environments with stress. This work aims to select popcorn genotypes for environments with drought and to identify discriminating traits for the evaluation of drought tolerance in popcorn germplasm. Fifteen Latin American populations of popcorn were evaluated in water stress (WS) and well-watered (WW) conditions. The evaluated traits were based in morpho-agronomic, physiological and radicular descriptors. Data were submitted to individual and joint ANOVA and GT Biplot analysis. Variability was detected between populations for all traits in both conditions. The drought caused a reduction of 30.61% and 3.5% in grain yield and popping expansion, respectively. Based in GT biplot analysis, 880POP was the most stable in WS and WW, being indicated as a promising population for cultivation in environments with water limitation. This study is going to allow the establishment of a collection of great importance to maize germplasm and to provide information to facilitate the process of selection in breeding programs focused on drought tolerance.

Forage Value of Some Popcorn (Zea mays L. everta) Genotypes

In this study, it was aimed to determine forage yield and yield characteristics of some popcorn (Zea mays L. everta) genotypes and find out the using possibilities of popcorn as a feed material. Study was carried out during the second crop growing season under Sanliurfa, Turkey climatic conditions in 2017. The experiment was designed complete randomized blocks design with three replicates. In the research 13 popcorn new genotypes were used as a crop material. In the study, tassel flowering duration values ranged from 52.0 day to 58.0 day, plant height from 161.23 cm to 210.20 cm, leaf number from 11.16 to 13.90 number ear-1, stem diameter from 21.12 mm to 25.39 mm. Also, another characteristic such as height of fist ear value values were between 74.1 cm and 111.4, biomass yield between 5092.9 kg da-1 and 8069.28 kg da-1. Dry matter yield values varied from 1812.28 to 3333.54 kg da-1, harvest index from 17.72% to 41.64%. When the plant height, biomass yield and dry matter yield values evaluated together for forage value of popcorn genotypes it was determined that 5YTR1305, AYCİN R-997, KUM1347 and 235EAD05 popcorn genotypes was found better than others. It was observed that biomass yield in popcorn plant reached 8 tons da-1 and dry matter yield over 3 tons da-1. It has been seen that popcorn can be used as a feed source for livestock animals.

Screening of Popcorn Genotypes for Drought Tolerance Using Canonical Correlations

Getting around the damage caused by drought is a worldwide challenge, particularly in Brazil, given that economy is based on agricultural activities, including popcorn growing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate popcorn inbred lines under water stressed (WS) and well-watered (WW) conditions regarding agronomic attributes, root morphology, and leaf “greenness” index (SPAD index), besides investigating the viability of indirect selection by canonical correlations (CC) of grain yield (GY) and popping expansion (PE). Seven agronomic, six morphological root traits were evaluated and SPAD index at five different dates during grain filling. The WS (−29% less water than WW) affected significantly the GY (−55%), PE (−28%), increased the brace and crown root density, and more vertically oriented the brace and crown angles. Higher SPAD index is associated with a higher yield, and these measures were the only ones with no significant genotype × water condition interaction, which may render concomitant selection for WS and WW easier. For associating the corrections of the different traits, CC proved to have better potential than simple correlations. Thus, the evaluation of SPAD index at 29 days after the anthesis showed the best CC, and based on the previous results of SPAD index, may be used regardless of the water condition.

Determination of popping traits and grain quality of landraces popcorn populations.

In this study; the local varieties (Nermin Cin) and 34 local popcorn populations which obtained from Turkey's different regions were used to determine the popping traits and grain quality of populations by growing in Kahramanmaraş conditions. The differences among examined features of genotypes, years and genotype x year interactions were statistically significant (p < 0.01). The varieties among popcorn genotypes were 70.177-96.017 cm3g-1 for popping volume; 3.767-22.658% for popping grain ratio; 4.150-29.823% for un-popping grain ratio; 9.882-11.537% for protein ratio; 68.727-72.920% starch ratio; 4.230-5.608% for fat ratio and 88.050-89.837% for dry matter ratio. The highest and the least values of the features investigated in terms of import of popping criteria and grain quality features were obtained 5 and 32 number populations for the popping volume, 16 and 26 number populations for the ratio of popping grain, 20 and 6 number populations for the starch ratio of grain respectively. The accuracy of reseach has been showed to create relation groups each other and rich variations in terms of features studied on popcorn genotypes, because the maize plant has an open dusty genetic structure. As a result of this research, the genetic variation of popcorn populations in the country was been studied to determination.

Relationships among American popcorn and their links with landraces conserved in a microcenter of diversity

This study describes the genetic diversity and the population structure of 66 popcorn landrace collections in a recently discovered microcenter of maize (Zea mays L.) diversity in southern Brazil. Furthermore, we elucidate their phylogenetic relationships with a diverse panel of 575 popcorn populations from 18 countries of American Continent. The germplasm, representing distinct landraces, was genetically characterized as population bulks using single nucleotide polymorphism markers (SNPs). Five main groups were identified for the popcorn germplasm of the southern region of Brazil. This pattern was associated with phenotypic diversity in grain shape and color. The germplasm of the American Continent was structured in nine groups associated with geographical region with significant differences in terms of genetic diversity and expansion capacity or popping expansion (the formation of large flakes after the kernels explode in response to heating). The popping expansion pattern of the American groups displayed a North-South geographical continuum, in which the average values increased with geographical distance from the center of origin in Mexico. The highest averages were obtained for the Lowland groups of South America. These results raise two hypotheses: the first one is the possibility of a continuous evolution of this characteristic, which is popcorn did disperse North - South, but interbreeding with local varieties drove up the diversity of the gene pool, and at the same time allowed more efficient selection on the trait of expansion capacity. The second is the possibility of a second domestication event of Zea mays ssp. mays L., in South America, which would assume an independent origin of popcorn, but not an independent domestication of maize. Both hypotheses would be based on popcorn populations brought from Mexico by human migrations. The germplasm collected in the microcenter of diversity in southern Brazil, most of them originated in the Lowlands of South America, a part of germplasm established phylogenetic relationships closer to the popcorn populations of Brazil collected in the last century. The study contributes to improved understanding of the origin and phylogenetics of this maize group and as such to conservation of those valuable genetic resources and future breeding efforts. This is valuable genetic research which led to better insight into grouping and dispersion of studied genotypes in the target region, but also its place vis-a-vis origin and migration of popcorn genotypes in South America in general.

Estimation and classification of popping expansion capacity in popcorn breeding programs using NIR spectroscopy

One of the most important quality traits in popcorn breeding programs is the popping expansion (PE) capacity of the kernel, which is the ratio of the volume of the popcorn to the weight of the kernel. In this study, we evaluated whether near infrared spectroscopy (NIR spectroscopy) could be used as a tool in popcorn breeding programs to routinely predict and/or discriminate popcorn genotypes on the basis of their PE. Three generations (F1, F2, and F2:3) were developed in three planting seasons by manual cross-pollination and self-pollination. A total of 376 ears from the F2:3 generation were selected, shelled, and subjected to phenotypic analysis. Genetic variability was observed in the F2 and F2:3 generations, and their average PE value was 31.5 ± 6.7 mL g−1. PE prediction models using partial least square (PLS) regression were developed, and the root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) was 6.08 mL g−1, while the coefficient of determination (RC2) was 0.26. The model developed by principal component analysis with quadratic discriminant analysis (PCA-QDA) was the best for discriminating the kernels with low PE (≤30 mL g−1) from those with high PE (>30 mL g−1) with an accuracy of 78%, sensitivity of 81.2%, and specificity of 72.2%. Although NIR spectroscopy appears to be a promising non-destructive method for assessing the PE of intact popcorn kernels for narrow breeding populations, greater variability and larger sample sizes would help improve the robustness of the predictive and classificatory models.

Salt stress in popcorn genotypes trigger changes of antioxidant enzymes

Salinity is a major problem in agriculture because it can alter the metabolism of plants and affect crop yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of NaCl on growth, key antioxidants and changes in the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes. Two popcorn genotypes, IAC125 and UFMV2, experienced reduction in growth as the salt concentration increased. Increase in chlorophyll content and damage to the plasma membrane was observed. Consequently, changes in osmotic activity led to reduced water content in the leaves. Increased concentration of salt increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in two popcorn genotypes but maximum activity was observed in the IAC125 genotype. Such enzymatic activities occur in order to maintain the levels of lipid peroxidation under salt stress, indicating that this genotype is tolerant to salinity conditions. The ZmAPX, ZmCAT, ZmSOD (Cu/Zn) and ZmSOD (Mn) genes increased their expression as salinity increased. The ZmSOD (Fe) gene was highly regulated in the IAC125 genotype under salt stress, but low regulation was observed in the UFM2 genotype, regardless of the salt concentration. The enhancement in tolerance against salt stress indicates that the genes involved in the antioxidative process are triggered by oxidative stress induced by abiotic stresses. These results showed that the popcorn varieties have different levels of salt tolerance due to the differential expression pattern of the antioxidant genes. The up-regulation of antioxidant enzymatic activity could lead to increased scavenging of excessive free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

Multivariate analysis reveals key traits of fall armyworm resistance in tropical popcorn genotypes

ABSTRACT In the present study it is hypothesized that the germplasm of popcorn of tropical regions shows resistance to FAW, and the multivariate analysis can characterize the main traits of this resistance. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify key traits used to select fall armyworm resistance in popcorn by using factor and cluster analyses. Sixteen biological traits were evaluated at larval and pupae stages: total number of armyworm, time larval period, final mass of caterpillars, total mass of caterpillars, mean mass of caterpillars, pupae period, mass of pupae and some indices used to evaluate the food consumed by the caterpillars. Multicollinearity diagnosis, factor and canonical analysis, and the genetic divergence among the genotypes were performed to implement multivariate analysis. The groups were established according to Mojena (1977). After multicollinearity test, only five traits were retained for further analysis. The factor analysis divided the five traits into two factors: the first factor included time larval period, metabolized food and mass of pupae; the second was composed of total number of armyworm and stool mass. Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) grouped the eighteen genotypes in three clusters. The present study provides insights of popcorn resistance to fall armyworm, and the multivariate analytical approach used here is directly applicable to any species and set of traits exhibiting correlation.

Reaction of popcorn lines (s7) cultivated in distinct phosphorus levels to Bipolaris maydis infection

ABSTRACT Popcorn culture is highly susceptible to helminthosporiosis (Bipolaris maydis) (h-Bm). The genetic breeding of this culture should prioritize resistance to h-Bm and develop cultivars that offer greater crop sustainability, especially in soils with phosphorus (P) scarcity. P-mineral is usually supplied to maize culture by the application of phosphate fertilizers, which are produced from mineral sources rich in P, the natural reserves of which will be depleted in the medium term. With the aim of selecting popcorn genotypes resistant to h-Bm and with higher P utilization capacity, the present study evaluated h-Bm incidence and severity for 25 popcorn lines (S7) cultivated under high and low phosphorus conditions. There was a significant interaction between genotype (lines) and P fertilization for h-Bm resistance, expressed as disease severity values in the first ear leaf. There was genetic variability for disease resistance. The incidence analysis identifies the lines L-65 L-69, L-70 and L-76 as potentially resistant genotypes, presenting low mean values of h-Bm. The severity analysis, however, presents L-69, L-76, P-3 and P-7 genotypes as potentially resistant in environments with fertilization and without fertilization. The obtained data show that the lines L-69 and L-76 had the best resistance performance in both environments. The genetic resistance to h-Bm can somehow correlate with the response to P fertilization at planting in soils with low natural fertility.

Generation mean analysis for nitrogen and phosphorus uptake, utilization, and translocation indexes at vegetative stage in tropical popcorn

Understanding the genetic control of the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake, utilization, and translocation is essential to develop superior popcorn genotypes with high N and P use efficiency. The main objective of this study was to determine the genetic control for N and P uptake, utilization, and translocation efficiency indexes and shoot and root traits under low-N and -P conditions at early vegetative stage in tropical popcorn. We estimated linear and quadratic genetic components from replicated early evaluation (V6 stage) of six generations derived from two crosses involving contrasting inbred lines for N and P uptake and translocation efficiency indexes under low-N and -P conditions. In general, the linear non-additive components were greater than the additive component. Dominance effect was important for increasing N uptake and translocation, while for P uptake and translocation both dominance and epistatic genetic effects were important. For most of the shoot and root traits, dominance and epistatic effects were important as well. Excepting P uptake efficiency, the average degree of dominance indicated partial dominance for several of the measured traits. Efficient direct selection for early N efficiency can be achieved and also provides indirect gains in several shoot and root traits via N uptake. Concerning the early P efficiency, efficient selection can be achieved for P uptake via shoot dry weight and root surface area. Our results evidenced that reciprocal recurrent selection based on early evaluation of progeny might be useful to develop popcorn genotypes with superior N and P efficiency under low-nutrient conditions.

Popcorn genotypes resistance to fall armyworm

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate popcorn genotypes for resistance to the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. The experiment used a completely randomized design with 30 replicates. The popcorn genotypes Aelton, Arzm 05 083, Beija-Flor, Colombiana, Composto Chico, Composto Gaúcha, Márcia, Mateus, Ufvm Barão Viçosa, Vanin, and Viviane were evaluated,along with the common maize variety Zapalote Chico. Newly hatched fall armyworm larvae were individually assessed with regard to biological development and consumption of food. The data were subjected to multivariate analyses of variance and genetic divergence among genotypes was evaluated through the clustering methods of Tocher based on generalized Mahalanobis distances and canonical variable analyses. Seven popcorn genotypes, namely, Aelton, Arzm 05 083, Composto Chico, Composto Gaúcha, Márcia, Mateus, and Viviane,were shown to form a cluster (cluster I) that had antibiosis as the mechanism of resistance to the pest. Cluster I genotypes and the Zapalote Chico genotype could be used for stacking genes for antibiosis and non-preference resistance.

English

English

English

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of embryogenic calluses and plant regeneration of seven popcorn inbred lines (Zea mays L.) in order to identify lines for further transference of genes to a generation of transgenic plants. The N6 medium with supplementation was used to induce calluses in immature embryos, and supplemented MS medium was used to stimulate plant regeneration of P11, P12, P15 and P18 inbreed lines. The number of regenerated plants was the highest for the P15 inbred line. The P15 popcorn inbred line represents a potential genotype for transferring plant regeneration competence to other popcorn genotypes. Key words: Maize, immature embryos, callus induction, somatic embryos, regeneration competence.