Popping Expansion Research Articles

Genetic Analysis for Popping Traits in Tropical Inbred Lines of Popcorn (Zea mays var. everta)

Aim: Combining ability studies in popcorn to identify superior parents for commercial hybrid breeding. Study Design: line x tester mating fashion. Place and Duration of Study: MRC, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar Hyderabad, between 2023-2024. Methodology: Popcorn (Zea mays var. everta) is a popular snack item both in India and other countries, the genetic base of popcorn germplasm is very narrow, and they resulted in few popcorn hybrids. In this study, a set of 44 popcorn hybrids obtained by crossing 22 inbred lines with two testers in line x tester fashion were evaluated along with parents and two standard checks i.e. Amber popcorn and BPCH-6. Results: Combining ability analysis implied significant differences among parents, crosses, parent’s v/s crosses for all the traits indicating variation in the selected lines of popcorn. For grain yield, lines PC 1, PC 116, PC 6-1, PC 12-2, PC 25, PC 201-1 and tester CML 451 were identified as good general combiners, whereas crosses, PC 1 x CML 451, PC 25-1 x CML 451, PC 71-1 x CML 451 and PC 5 x CML 286 showed high desirable sca effects for grain yield. The popping expansion trait in crosses viz., PC 22 x CML 451, PC 5 x CML 286, PC 72-2 x CML 451 displayed desirable sca effects. In addition to these hybrids PC 5 x CML 286 exhibited positive significant sca values along with high per se performance for both the traits. Conclusion: The lines which show desirable performance for yield and popping traits will be utilized in further development of popcorn hybrids.

Agricultural traits and popping expansion of the popcorn hybrid IAC 125 under different plant densities and irrigation water depth levels

Popcorn (Zea mays L. everta) is a specialty crop with a higher aggregate economic value than that of common maize. In Brazil, national literature is still incipient and contradictory in terms of plant population management and water requirements. Furthermore, the interaction between these factors has not been reported, despite the increasing cultivation of popcorn. The objective of this trial was to determine whether agricultural traits and popping expansion from hybrid IAC 125 could be affected by plant density and levels of irrigation water, in addition to determining the significance level of the interaction between both factors. We investigated five plant populations (40,000, 55,000, 70,000, 85,000, and 100,000 plants ha-1) and five different levels of water depth in 2014/2015 [574.86 (without supplementary irrigation), 609.86, 644.86, 679.86 (control), and 714.86 mm] and 2015/2016 [857.4 (without supplementary irrigation), 867.26, 886.60, 916.78 (control), and 959.81 mm] using a complete block design with split-plot, comprising a main plot (for plant populations) and subplot (for water depth), with six replicates for each set. We found increasing linear effects from grain yield under population density and levels of water depth, but this interaction was not significant. Moreover, the popping expansion for the main effects and the interaction between plant populations and water depth, were not significant.

Popping patterns in F2 segregant progenies from popcorn × non-popcorn crosses

The most important commercial feature in popcorn (Zea mays L.) is the expansion of the starch contained in the endosperm; however, little has been studied about the underlying genetic basis of this quantitative trait, for which the development of segregating populations is required. The first step is the selection of the most appropriate contrasting parents for popping capacity to create these populations. The objectives of this study were, 1) to analyze the popping patterns of F2 populations derived from crosses between popcorn × nonpopcorn inbred lines to identify the most divergent cross for future molecular analysis in search of alleles-related to popping capacity, and 2) to estimate the number of genes responsible for popping expansion volume based on the tails of segregation. Seven biparental crosses of popcorn × non-popcorn were performed to obtain F2 populations, and those were phenotypedfor popping expansion volume. Phenotypes were analyzed by the H test, Lilliefors normality-test, Fisher’s coefficient of skewness, and kurtosis level. The number of genes estimation was made with X2 and (1/4)n tests. The popping patterns indicated that popcorn × flint corn was the most divergent cross, with the most symmetrical distribution, and therefore, the best suitable population to be used for molecular analysis. Results indicated the existence of three to five major genes related to popping expansion volume. Transgressive segregation was present in all populations, showing individuals whit a popping expansion volume higher or lower than the parental ones, suggesting that non-popcorn lines contain variation for alleles that promote popping. Keywords: Popcorn, popping expansion volume, popping patterns, transgressive segregation, Zea mays L.

Effect of various thermal processing on the structural and in vitro prebiotic characteristics of β-glucan from Hulless Barley

The favorable prebiotic effect of cereal β-glucans is associated with its structure characteristic, which may be influenced by thermal processing. This study aimed to evaluate the structure and in vitro fermentation characteristics of β-glucan isolated from hulless barley preprocessed with flaking-roasting (FR), stir-frying (SF), steam-flash explosion (SFE) and popping expansion (PE). The results showed that all thermal processing had no impact on the type of chemical groups. Compared with the native β-glucan, the molecular weight of PE-β-glucan increased from 147.36 × 103 Da to 5, 243.60 × 103 Da, whereas its crystallinity index decreasing from 52.9 ± 0.7% to 41.5 ± 1.1%. Furthermore, the PE-β-glucan exhibited a porous structure like that in native β-glucan, while the SFE-β-glucan displayed a compacted structure with the lowest molecular weight (89.90 × 103 Da). Expectedly, PE-β-glucan exerted the highest availability and increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, while FR-, SF-, and SFE-β-glucan tended to promote the growth of Megasphaera and Lactobacillus. Additionally, the level of total SCFAs, acetate, propionate, and butyrate in PE-β-glucan were dramatically higher than those in other β-glucan. Overall, the chain conformation of β-glucan played a pivotal role in determining its bioavailability and probiotic characteristic, which could be improved evidently by PE processing.

Recurrent Interpopulation Selection in Popcorn: From Heterosis to Genetic Gains

In view of the need to develop new popcorn cultivars and considering the uncertainties in choosing the most appropriate breeding methods to ensure consistent genetic progress, simultaneously for both popping expansion and grain yield, this study addressed the efficiency of interpopulation recurrent selection regarding genetic gains, the study of the response in genetic parameters as well as heterotic effects on the control of the main agronomic traits of popcorn. Two populations were established, Pop1 and Pop2. A total of 324 treatments were evaluated, which consisted of 200 half-sib families (100 from Pop1 and 100 from Pop2), 100 full-sib families from the two populations and 24 controls. The field experiment was arranged in a lattice design with three replications in two environments, in the north and northwest regions of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The genotype × environment interaction was partitioned and the genetic parameters, heterosis and predicted gains were estimated by the Mulamba and Mock index, based on selection results in both environments. The genetic parameters detected variability that can be explored in successive interpopulation recurrent selection cycles. Exploring heterosis for GY, PE and yield components is a promising option to increase grain yield and quality. The Mulamba and Mock index was efficient in predicting the genetic gains in GY and PE. Interpopulation recurrent selection proved effective to provide genetic gains for traits with predominantly additive and dominance inheritance.

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.

Mixed Modeling in Genetic Divergence Study of Elite Popcorn Hybrids (Zea mays var. everta)

Popcorn is a food highly appreciated throughout the world, generating billions of dollars annually just in the North American market alone. Even in the face of the historical superiority of American hybrids, which occupy almost 100% of the grain production fields in Brazil, our researchers have been working to develop cultivars that combine important traits for the crop, such as tolerance to leaf diseases and high rates of grain yield and popping expansion. This work investigated the degree of genetic divergence among 40 diallel hybrids of popcorn, 16 parents and 6 elite controls using mixed models to discriminate superior materials to be adopted in the Brazilian agribusiness. Based on the individual Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) of each of the 15 variables analyzed, the Unweighted Pair-Group Method using Arithmetic Averages (UPGMA) and Tocher clusters were performed, and the study of Pearson correlation was carried out. The results pointed out that there is genetic variability among the genotypes evaluated and that the best candidates for composing superior genotypes are in the combination between the P10×L77 parents and/or between the P7 and L88 lines. Linear correlations showed that earlier flowering and taller genotypes exhibited an association with materials more tolerant to Exserohilum turcicum intensity.

In Vitro and In Vivo Digestive Fate and Antioxidant Activities of Polyphenols from Hulless Barley: Impact of Various Thermal Processing Methods and β-Glucan.

The unfavorable bioaccessibility of polyphenols in cereal-based food limits their physiological functions as most polyphenols bind spontaneously to the cell-wall polysaccharides. Effects of β-glucan and various thermal processing methods including flaking and roasting, stir-frying, steam-flash explosion, and popping expansion on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant properties of polyphenols from hulless barley in vitro and in vivo were investigated in this study. The bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity (via DPPH, ·OH, and ·O2- free radical scavenging, TAC, and FRAP assays) of polyphenol extracts from hulless barley treated by steam-flash explosion and popping expansion increased significantly before and after in vitro digestion compared to those from raw and other processed hulless barley. Further, the total polyphenol content of hulless barley elevated dramatically following hydrolyzing with β-glucanase, which was positively correlated with the antioxidant activity. Additionally, the hulless barley treated with steam-flash explosion exhibited potent antidiabetic effects and antioxidant capacity (via TAC, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and MDA assays) in type 2 diabetic rats. The absorption of individual phenolic compounds in the alimentary canal of rats was impacted obviously by thermal processing. This study provides new insights into enhancing the bioaccessibility of the polyphenols and suggests that β-glucans interact with polyphenols and proteins in the hulless barley matrix.

Combining ability and potential of s1 popcorn progenies for early selection

Evaluation of combined ability can eliminate lines that are inefficient and enable the subsequent program steps to be more successful. The objective of this study was to predict the general (gi) and specific (sij) combination ability of popcorn S1 progenies for early selection. A total of 288 topcrosses were performed under a randomized complete block design with two replicates at two sites (Campinas and Capão Bonito, São Paulo State, Brazil). Diallel analyses were performed using mixed models and the maximum likelihood restricted/best unbiased linear prediction method. Evaluated traits included grain yield (GY; kg ha-1), weight of 100 grains (g), and popping expansion (PE; mL g-1). Ear components were also evaluated, including ear length, ear diameter (cm), and the number of grain rows (unit). The S1 progeny 32 presented the highest gi for GY in Campinas, whereas progeny 46 presented the highest gi for GY in Capão Bonito. The S1 progeny, 114 was an important parent for the popcorn breeding program, because it presented high gi for the traits of agronomic interest at both sites. Combination 86×IAC12 exhibited a high sij, and the 86 parent presented the second-highest gi for PE in Campinas, and it should be used for high PE genotypes

GENETIC IMPROVEMENT IN POPCORN

Popcorn consumption in Brazil has grown significantly over the years, and genetic improvement is essential to obtain sustainable gains in multiple traits to supply this increasing demand. Thus, the objective of this review was to contribute information concerning the process of popcorn breeding in tropical regions, germplasm availability, popcorn breeding plans, the main characteristics related to popcorn quality and yield, and advances and perspectives in the process of popcorn improvement. The main focus of breeding programs is to obtain hybrids from inbred lines with high popping expansion (40 mL g-1) and yield (4.000 kg ha-1). The genetic improvement performed in Brazil has presented significant advances, mainly due to work developed in public institutions with the development of new hybrids that present more significant popping expansion and yield. However, the number of cultivars is still low, and most of them are controlled by private companies. Therefore, intrapopulation methods are recommended to develop open-pollinated varieties with high popping expansion, and this trait can be used as an early predictor of promising inbred lines to obtain superior hybrids for grain quality. Furthermore, popping expansion can be quickly recovered in backcrosses involving the cross of common maize with an inbred popcorn line.

Adaptability and stability analysis of new popcorn simple hybrids evaluated using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction Bayesian approaches

The development of new popcorn cultivars that include wide adaptation, high stability and superior performance characteristics is one of the main alternatives to mitigate the effects of the genotype × environment interaction. In this sense, our main goal was to evaluate the adaptability and stability of new popcorn hybrids using Bayesian additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (BAMMI) method for grain yield (GY) and popping expansion capacity (PE) traits. We evaluated GY and PE from 45 new popcorn hybrids and three commercial cultivars (IAC–125, Pop Top and Top Ten) as checks in six different environments. Genotype × environment interaction, correlation and stability analyses were performed using Bayesian approaches. The full models tested presented the lowest deviance information criterion (DIC) values when compared to null models, indicating the presence of the genotype × environment interaction for both evaluated agronomic traits. Negative correlations were observed between GY and PE (r = –0.24, 95% highest posterior density [HPD] = –0.31; –0.17) and confirm the difficulty to perform selection simultaneously for both characteristics. UEM–3 and UEM–7 hybrids showed wide stability and high a posteriori averages for GY and PE. Both cultivars can be registered and recommended for cultivation in popcorn producing regions.

Biochemical composition of the pericarp cell wall of popcorn inbred lines with different popping expansion

The popping expansion is a characteristic that is positively related with the quality of popcorn. A positive correlation between the volume of expansion and the thickness of the pericarp, and between the proportion of the opaque/shiny endosperm and the grain weight and volume, were postulated. However, there are no reports in the literature that address the importance of cell wall components in the popping expansion. Here, we investigate the biochemical composition of the pericarp cell walls of three inbred lines of popcorn with different popping expansion. Inbred lines GP12 (expansion volume >40 mL g−1), P11 (expansion volume 30 mL g−1) and P16 (expansion volume 14 mL g−1) were used for the analysis and quantification of monosaccharides by HPAEC-PAD, and ferulic and p-coumaric acids and lignin by HPLC. Our hypothesis is that the biochemical composition of the pericarp cell walls may be related to greater or lesser popping expansion. Our data suggest that the lignin content and composition contribute to popping expansion. The highest concentration of lignin (129.74 μg mg−1; 12.97%) was detected in the pericarp cell wall of the GP12 inbred line with extremely high popping expansion, and the lowest concentration (113.52 μg mg−1; 11.35%) was observed in the P16 inbred line with low popping expansion. These findings may contribute to indicating the quantitative trait locus for breeding programs and to developing other methods to improve the popping expansion of popcorn.

Driving Sustainable Popcorn Breeding for Drought Tolerance in Brazil.

Drought currently affects several regions worldwide and tends to be more frequent due to climate change. It might compromise food security and the economic structure related to agribusiness. Popcorn has a crucial role in the Brazilian economy, but the cultivars that adapt to water stress, the most prejudicial abiotic stress for crop productivity, are unknown to date. This deficit of popcorn varieties adapted to heat and drought stresses will become more limiting with climate change. Given this scenario, knowing the genetic basis of agronomic traits under stress conditions is essential in promoting crop productivity and plant adaptation to abiotic stresses. Under two contrasting water conditions (WC) and different crop seasons (CS), we aimed to generate information about the combining ability of 10 popcorn progenitors and 15 hybrids through a partial diallel-mating design. The water stress was initiated at the male pre-anthesis stage. Significant genotype*crop seasons (G*CS), genotype*water condition (G*WC), and genotype*crop seasons*water condition (G*CS*WC) interactions were present. Regardless of CS and WC, non-additive effects controlled grain yield (GY), grain number per row (GN), ear length and diameter (ED), and 100-grain weight, while additive effects were present for popping expansion (PE). For each CS, regardless of WC, the cause-effect of GN (2018) and ED (2020) on GY seems to be an opportunity for indirect selection. Utilizing genetically broad-based hybrids is also a good opportunity for obtaining superior genotypes for GY and PE as it is possible to select inbred lines for both of these traits. We recommend the L76 × L61 hybrid for the Brazilian agribusiness context due to its greater productivity and dominance deviations.

Regional Heritability Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci Controlling Traits Related to Growth and Productivity in Popcorn (Zea mays L.).

The method of regional heritability mapping (RHM) has become an important tool in the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling traits of interest in plants. Here, RHM was first applied in a breeding population of popcorn, to identify the QTLs and candidate genes involved in grain yield, plant height, kernel popping expansion, and first ear height, as well as determining the heritability of each significant genomic region. The study population consisted of 98 S1 families derived from the 9th recurrent selection cycle (C-9) of the open-pollinated variety UENF-14, which were genetically evaluated in two environments (ENV1 and ENV2). Seventeen and five genomic regions were mapped by the RHM method in ENV1 and ENV2, respectively. Subsequent genome-wide analysis based on the reference genome B73 revealed associations with forty-six candidate genes within these genomic regions, some of them are considered to be biologically important due to the proteins that they encode. The results obtained by the RHM method have the potential to contribute to knowledge on the genetic architecture of the growth and yield traits of popcorn, which might be used for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs.

Supporting Physiological Trait for Indirect Selection for Grain Yield in Drought-Stressed Popcorn.

The identification of traits associated with drought tolerance in popcorn is a contribution to support selection of superior plants under soil water deficit. The objective of this study was to choose morphological traits and the leaf greenness index, measured on different dates, to estimate grain yield (GY) and popping expansion (PE), evaluated in a set of 20 popcorn lines with different genealogies, estimated by multiple regression models. The variables were divided into three groups: morpho-agronomic traits—100-grain weight (GW), prolificacy (PR), tassel length (TL), number of tassel branches, anthesis-silking interval, leaf angle (FA) and leaf rolling (FB); variables related to the intensity of leaf greenness during the grain-filling period, at the leaf level, measured by a portable chlorophyll meter (SPAD) and at the canopy level, calculated as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The inbred lines were cultivated under two water conditions: well-watered (WW), maintained at field capacity, and water stress (WS), for which irrigation was stopped before male flowering. The traits GY (55%) and PE (28%) were most affected by water restriction. Among the morpho-agronomic traits, GW and PR were markedly reduced (>10%). Under dry conditions, the FA in relation to the plant stalk tended to be wider, the FB curvature greater and leaf senescence accelerated (>15% at 22 days after male flowering). The use of multiple regression for the selection of predictive traits proved to be a useful tool for the identification of groups of adequate traits to efficiently predict the economically most important features of popcorn (GY and PE). The SPAD index measured 17 days after male flowering proved useful to select indirectly for GY, while, among the morphological traits, TL stood out for the same purpose. Of all traits, PR was most strongly related with PE under WS, indicating its use in breeding programs. The exploitation of these traits by indirect selection is expected to induce increments in GY and PE.

Overall heritability in popcorn estimated by meta-analysis

The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis and test its efficiency in summarizing the heterogeneous data of heritability estimates for the traits of grain yield (GY) and popping expansion (PE), and to provide reliable estimates of selection gains in popcorn. Therefore, 97 heritability estimates ( ) for popcorn GY and PE in the broad and narrow sense were used. The main procedures underlying the estimation of the combined heritability ( ) using the technique of meta-analysis consisted of i) an exploratory analysis of the set of heritability estimates to detect outliers using a box-plot chart, ii) the verification of the required statistical assumptions, iii) testing the involved heritability estimates for homogeneity, and iv) the calculation of the estimates of combined heritability. The meta-analysis facilitated the synthesis of the information pertaining to heritability in popcorn. The combined heritability estimates ( ) in the broad sense for GY and PE were 0.5208 ± 0.0229 and 0.6356 ± 0.0209, respectively, and in the narrow sense were 0.3290 ± 0.0292 and 0.3083 ± 0.0298, respectively.

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.

Influence of agronomic and kernel‐related properties on popping expansion in popcorn

AbstractKnowledge about relationships between traits can contribute to raising the efficiency of selection of superior genotypes. The objective of this study was to estimate the correlations, direct and indirect effects of agronomic, chemical and physical traits of kernels on popping expansion (PE) in popcorn (Zea mays L.). The trial was carried out in the 2017/2018 growing season, in Maringá ‐ PR, with 49 treatments, which consisted of 43 popcorn, four flint, and two sweet corn. The trial was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Multiple agronomic, chemical, physical, and popcorn quality traits were evaluated. Analysis of variance was performed to estimate the coefficients of phenotypic and genotypic correlations and the direct and indirect effects of path analysis. The genotypes were partitioned into genotype within each kernel type (popcorn, flint, and sweet corn) and two more contrasts (popcorn vs. [flint + sweet corn]) and flint vs. sweet corn. Positive phenotypic (.76) and genotypic correlations (.81) between popping expansion and pericarp thickness were detected. Kernel length had negative phenotypic (−.75) and genotypic correlations (−.78) with PE. Path analysis indicated that pericarp thickness has a direct and positive effect on PE and that the observed positive correlation with thermal diffusivity of the kernel pericarp and kernel length can be explained by indirect effects of the pericarp thickness. Evaluating kernel length may be most prudent considering economical and practical constraints to popcorn breeding programs.

Combining ability effects and nature of gene action for grain yield and quality parameters in Pop corn (Zea mays var. everta)

The proficiency and efficacy of the parental selection programmes in most of the crops including popcorn can be significantly improved by estimating the combining ability and its effects. The present study was planned with an aim to assess the combining ability variances and effects in 28 cross combinations developed by crossing eight inbred lines of popcorn in half diallel fashion design (without reciprocals). The thirty eight genotypes including twenty eight hybrids along with their eight parents and two checks were evaluated in randomized complete block design to estimate the GCA and SCA of parents as well as crosses. Results for combining ability shown that mean sum of squares due to hybrids and parents vs. hybrids were significant, which in turn exhibits significant genotypic differences for all the characters under study except grain protein content. It was also apparent that both general combining ability and specific combining ability variances were significant for all the characters except grain protein content which indicated importance of both additive and non additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits. The inbred lines viz., HKI PC 1473-5, HKI PCBT 3, HKI PC 4B were found as good combiners and desirable for both grain yield and quality traits with high popping expansion. The cross combination HKI PC 1473-5 x HKI PCBT 3, HKI PC 4 x HKI PC 7 and HKI PC 4B x HKI PCBT 3 showed good SCA effects for grain yield, yield related traits and quality traits and thus indicated non additive gene effects is more pronounced and selection may prove reliable in maize hybridization programme for improvement of yield and other characters.

Resistance of popcorn hybrid (Zea mays) to multiple diseases and correlation between leaf disease intensity and agronomic traits

Grain yield and popcorn quality losses have become more common due to attacks by pathogens responsible for leaf diseases. Genetic resistance is the main control measure, as it is applicable in large areas and uses reduced costs and less environmental impact, compared to chemical control. In this context, the purpose was to select popcorn hybrids that meet resistance to Exserohilum turcicum, Bipolaris maydis, and Puccinia polysora and to have high levels of popping expansion and grain yield. We took into account two growing seasons (summer harvest - October 2014 to January 2015 - and winter harvest- April to July 2015). Twenty-eight hybrids from the complete diallel cross scheme were evaluated, among eight inbred lines (P8, P1, L55, L61, L70, L76, L77 and L88). For this purpose, we used a randomized block design with four replicates in two growing seasons. The traits investigated were the incidence of P. polysora (IPP), B. maydis (IBM), and E. turcicum (IET); severity of P. polysora (SPP), B. maydis (SBM), and E. turcicum (SET); grain yield (GY); and popping expansion (PE). Data from the experiments were submitted to the principal component analysis (PCA) through the R software. Results showed that the traits IET and IPP in the summer harvest, and IET and SET, in the winter harvest, were the most significant in the select of hybrids. The P8 x L76 and L70 x P8 hybrids were selected for summer harvest and the L77 x L61 hybrid, for winter harvest