Information on the effect of endogamy and combining ability of inbred families is essential in hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) breeding programs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inbreeding in a maize population and the performance of top-cross hybrids from this population, with a broad genetic base tester. First, 110 S1 families were generated and established in the field along with families from the original population. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with three replicates, in 3.0 m plots with 15 plants. Traits of agronomic importance, inbreeding depression, and the general effect of dominance deviations were estimated the first stage. In the second stage, 69 inbred families (S2) with low inbreeding depression were evaluated by top-cross tests using the F2 generation of the commercial hybrid AG 6040 as tester. The same traits from the first stage were evaluated. Inbreeding depression in the first stage was higher for traits related to production, which indicates that the heterozygous loci contribute more to these traits, with the additive effects being less important. In the second stage, the best estimates of the general combining ability (GCA) for grain weight were found in progenies 51, 33, 17, 9, 3, and 67, showing good performance and good potential for use in breeding programs.

In plant breeding programs, the selection of potential progenies in early generations of inbreeding is an essential step. Considering that, the adoption of topcrosses helps the breeder in the selection, this study aimed to verify the potential of S 2 strains for synthesis of synthetic varieties and to obtain experimental information on yield and agronomic potential of topcross hybrids. As such, 75 topcross hybrids were generated from crossing 75 S 2 lines with F 2 generation of the commercial hybrid. The 75 hybrids were grown in a field, along with two commercial hybrids in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates and in 4-meter plots. Flowering, plant height, height, diameter, length and weight in the ear, and grain yield traits were examined. Analysis of variance was performed, the combining ability was estimated, and, from the means, the Scott & Knott test was conducted. So, the topcross hybrids that distinguished themselves for grain yield were those composed by lines 67, 14, 44, and 69, presenting high CGA, therefore indicating good potential for producing synthetic or base population. For the other traits of agronomic interest that were assessed in maize, a potential for selection with different focuses was found: reduction of cycle and height and increase in length and diameter of the ear.