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Divergent full-sib recurrent selection for germination at low temperature in a maize population

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Summary

Four cycles of divergent full-sib recurrent selection for the ability to germinate at low temperature were conducted in a maize (Zea mays L.) F2 population. The selection criterion was the high (H) or the low (L) value in algebraic terms of the difference (DG) between germination percentage at 9.5°C (G9.5) detected 19 days after sowing and germination percentage at 25°C (G 25) seven days after sowing; both traits were evaluated in a controlled environment (germinator). Direct and correlated responses estimated during the course of selection were in accordance with those evaluated at the end. Selection for H led to populations with higher DG values, while the reverse was noted for L; differences between H and L populations increased in successive selection cycles, though divergence tended to level off. Selection for H also resulted in higher G 9.5 (day 19), shorter germination time and more flinty kernels, while selection for L led to responses in the opposite direction as well as to a lower G 9.5 detected 37 days after sowing (i.e. at the end of germination). In contrast, responses were negligible for G 25 and varied erratically from one cycle to another for kernel weight.

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Abbreviations

DG:

(G 9.5–G 25)

FS:

full sib

GI:

germination index

G 9.5:

germination percentage at 9.5°C

G 25:

germination percentage at 25°C

H:

high DG value in algebraic terms

KT:

kernel type

KW:

kernel weight

L:

low DG value in algebraic terms

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Landi, P., Frascaroli, E. & Lovato, A. Divergent full-sib recurrent selection for germination at low temperature in a maize population. Euphytica 64, 21–29 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00023534

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00023534

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