Potentials for Hybridization and Agronomic Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.) Pure Lines Grown in a Greenhouse

Abstract

In recent years, the technique for creating in-vivo haploid maize plant production has resulted in the development of inducer lines, which decrease the breeding period by 6-7 years. Following the chromosome doubling technique, the breeding period will be shortened as much as possible by performing procedures in a greenhouse such as selfing seeds for multiplication, test hybridization, and pure line hybridization. The purpose of this research was to learn more about the agronomic capabilities and hybridization potential of pure lines grown in greenhouses. The material for the study included a total of eight pure lines, four of which were created from local varieties using the in-vivo haploid approach, and four lines that were considered to be standard. In order to reveal the performances of pure lines, plant height, stem diameter, first ear height, ear diameter, ear length, ear spacing, single ear weight, cob diameter and plant dry weight were investigated. Significant differences were detected between the lines in all other features except the ear spacing and single ear weight. In the crosses between the lines, an average of 60 seeds per hybrid was obtained, and sufficient number of seeds was reached for field tests. In terms of agronomic performance and hybrid seed yield, the DZM-25 local pure line surpassed conventional lines. Growing pure lines and getting hybrid seeds in a greenhouse during the winter showed that this method can help shorten the breeding period.