GENETICAL HARVEST INDEX AND POSSIBILITIES OF THE PHYSIOLOGICAL GENETICS TO IMPROVE MAIZE YIELD

The objective of this study was to point out a methodological way to evaluatemaize cultivars through genetical harvest index estimative (GHI). Furthermore, questions areraised about the unique utilization of harvest index (HI). It was used data from researchexperiments as well as from literature. The results showed a significant interference fromenvironmental factors which limit adaptation of maize cultivars, affecting grain yield. The focusis differentiated, since one searches to understand the effects which result in grain yield, identifyingthe causes (genetic and environmental) which will result ultimately in a yield reduction of thegenotype maximum capacity to produce grain. The model plant is the maize, and the analysis ofthe data presented suggests methodological alternatives to estimate the GHI of each genotype.This procedure will be useful in maize plant breeding programs, taking into considerationmaximum yields as well as yields under adverse conditions (biotic and abiotic stresses), oragriculture of low technological inputs