POTENTIAL OF MAIZE TOP CROSS HYBRIDS IN THE SÃO PAULO STATE

Abstract

The objective of this work was to verify the potential of top cross hybrids and of partially endogamic lines (S3) obtained from commercial maize hybrids. The 27 top cross hybrids, two commercial checks and the tester IA 33 were evaluated by complete block design with three replications, in two years (2005/2006 and 2006/2007) and inthree locations (Campinas, Mococa and Palmital) of São Paulo State. The following traits were evaluated: male flowering, plant height, ear height, percentage of lodging and broken plants and grain weight corrected to 14% moisture. The effects of general combining ability and the heterobeltiosis of the top cross hybrids were considered. Top cross hybrids were verified with grain weight superior or similar to the commercial checks, proving the productive potential of the top cross hybrid. The hybrid IA 33 x HI 9-19-1 outstanding with high grain yield and heterobeltiosis, and the lines HI 9-19-1 and HG 7-12-1 showed high combining ability estimates in the three locations.

Keywords

• Zea mays
• lines S3
• heterobeltiosis