Comparison of maize populations improved by recurrent selection

A diallel set of crosses among 10 synthetic varieties of maize (Zea mays L.) were evaluated in eight environments. All varieties, except BSSS, had undergone recurrent selection for either yield or pest resistance. Objectives of the study were to determine relative performance of varieties per se and in crosses with other improved varieties. Varieties improved by recurrent selection for yield were superior in yield to those improved for pest resistance. It seemed that single-trait selection for pest resistance caused a redirection of photosynthate. BS13(S)C2 x BS18 yielded 8902 kg ha-1, which was within one LSD (0.05)of three single-cross hybrid checks. BS13(S)C2 was an improved strain of BSSS and BS18 was developed from intercrossing two strains of Krug Hi I Syn.3 developed from seven cycles of half-sib and S1 recurrent selection, respectively. Possible combinations of varieties for composite formation based on heterotic response were discussed