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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #119965
Title: HETEROSIS IN COMPOSITIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND WET-MILLING PROPERTIES OF ADAPTED X EXOTIC CORN CROSSES

Author
item SINGH, S - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
item JOHNSON, L - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
item Pollak, Linda
item HURBURGH, C - IOWA STATE UNIVERITY

Submitted to: Cereal Chemistry
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2001
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Lines with improved quality that are released from the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize Project (GEM) combine genes from exotic and adapted germplasm. The objective of this study was to determine if gene combinations in exotic by adapted crosses gave unique qualities different from those present in the exotic parent or the adapted parent. For some quality traits, such as grain protein content and wet milling, the crosses were very much improved over the parents. For other quality traits, such as starch and oil contents, the crosses were intermediate between the values of the parents. There was also definite differences for quality traits of the crosses depending on the adapted parent used. These results are important for corn breeders who will use GEM breeding lines to develop hybrids with added value for quality traits. The results give indication of which adapted parents will be of most value in breeding for quality with hthe GEM lines.

Technical Abstract: Compositional, physical, and wet-milling properties of 10 corn accessions from the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project, two Corn Belt dent inbreds (B73 and MO17), and their crosses were compared to determine heterosis among these important traits and to gain insight about their genetic control. Crossing the selected GEM accessions with each inbred increased protein contents and reduced starch contents. Mean absolute densities and test weights of the crosses were greater than for either parent. Little heterosis was observed in 1000 kernel weight, and the crosses had values similar to their GEM parents (relatively low). Grain protein contents were greater for the crosses than for the GEM accessions; starch and oil contents of the crosses were intermediate to both parents. The wet-milling properties of the crosses were improved over those of the GEM accessions. Crossing the GEM accessions with B73 greatly increased residual protein in the recovered starch, whereas values for protein in starch for the MO17 x GEM crosses were greater than for the GEM accessions and not unlike that of MO17. High-parent heterosis was greater in the MO17 x GEM crosses for absolute density, test weight, 1000 kernel weight, and starch content, but lower for protein and fat contents. MO17 x GEM crosses yielded greater high-parent heterosis for starch yield and starch recovery, and lower high-parent heterosis for gluten and fiber yields.