Abstract
The study was conducted during 2017-2019 in the experimental field of the Maize Research Institute – Knezha, by the block method, two plant densities – optimal (5500 pl/da) and increased (7000 pl/da), according to the agricultural techniques typical for the region. The inheritance of the quantitative traits and biometric indexes related to the productivity of the newly created, high-yielding medium-late hybrid Kneja 560 and its affiliated generations have been studied.
The aim of the study is to analyze and evaluate the predominant genetic actions and interactions in the inheritance of quantitative traits in maize, their relationship with the manifestations of heterosis and gene effects.
High manifestations of heterosis were found for the traits ear length and grain row number. The values vary according to the different environmental conditions, without changing the direction of this manifestation. In the inheritance of these traits, the largest share is overdominance.
The dominant gene effects have the largest relative share in the genetic control of the ear length.
The results of this study complement to the evaluation of this newly hybrid from the collection of Maize Research Institute – Knezha.
After analysis of the obtained results, specific recommendations were made for the inclusion of these materials in effective breeding programs.
Keywords: maize, affiliated generation, heterosis, levels of dominance, gene effects, correlation relations