Field performance of shrunken-2 super-sweet corn populations derived from tropical field maize shrunken-2 super-sweet corn crosses in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

The conversion of tropical field corn genotypes into sweet corn could broaden the genetic base and improve yield and adaptation of sweet corn varieties. In this study, the performance of shrunken-2 (sh2) super-sweet corn populations derived from crosses between a sh2 population and tropical field corn genotypes were evaluated in Ibadan. Experiments were conducted using randomised complete block design with three replicates. Data were collected on agronomic and fresh ear yield traits, and then subjected to analysis of variance. Significant genotypic differences were observed among the populations with most of the derived populations significantly superior to the donor population for most of the traits. Yield of marketable cobs ranged from 5.80 to 7.63 t/ha (mean = 6.84 t/ha). Six derived populations had significantly higher yield of marketable cobs than the donor population. On the average, 83.1% of the number of cobs harvested was marketable. Husk cover scores ranged from 2.8 to 6.8, with all the derived populations having significantly lower husk cover scores than the donor population. The results indicated that the conversion of the field corn genotypes into super-sweet corn was effective in the development of new super-sweet corn populations. The observed genetic differences could be exploited in further breeding programmes.

Yield related key traits in the selection of super sweetcorn hybrids

“…The traits MF, PH, EH, GL, GW, EL, ED, YDE, NCE, GY, SS, and MS were used to carry out the factor analysis, which expressed the proportion of the existing variation in the dependent traits. Most of these traits were also studied by other authors, being considered as determinants for the super sweet corn breeding (Ayodeji et al 2019;Solomon et al 2011). The variation can be explained by two predictors (Factors 1 and 2) (Fig.…”

“…Even though there are several maize breeding programs in Brazil, which are responsible for the production of new hybrids that increase productivity and profitability in this sector, options of super sweetcorn hybrids are still scarce. In sweet corn breeding programs, a large number of traits are evaluated; however, in many cases, they are misinterpreted due to the uncertainty of the traits considered key in the selection of promising genotypes (Ayodeji et al 2019;Taylor and Whelan 2010).…”

Comparación de dulzura en maíz elotero con diferente fondo genético e incorporación del gen shrunken2

“…Se puede apreciar la recuperación de características conforme se avanza en los ciclos de retrocruzamiento. Al respecto, Ayodeji et al (2019) indicaron que se pueden generar nuevas poblaciones de maíz superdulce mediante retrocruzamientos y selección para dicho carácter. Para la producción comercial es necesario sembrar en lotes aislados para evitar cruzamientos con maíces no dulces.…”

Grain yield and its contributing traits in promising sweetcorn hybrids

“…Breeding programs must prioritize producing high‐yielding cultivars without compromising quality. In sweetcorn breeding, multiple traits are assessed, but the interpretation is often skewed due to uncertainties in selecting promising genotypes (Ayodeji et al., 2019). Grain yield (GY), the most critical agronomic trait, is a complex quantitative characteristic influenced by plant genetics and environmental interactions (Zhang et al., 2021).…”