MODIFIED EAR-TO-ROW SELECTION FOR YIELD IN THE VARIETY COLUS

The effectiveness of modified ear-to-row method of selection for yield in the variety colus was evaluated. In a previous study three cycles of modified ear-to-row selection for yield in the variety colus were carried out. In this study one further cycle was performed. Evaluation was then made by means of population per se. Yield was increased in this study by 17.36 percent over cycle 3. After four cycles of selection the expected average genetic gain of 4.48 percent per cycle was actually achieved (4.73%). The expected genetic gain for the next cycle (2.4 Bu/acre), and the coefficient of variability (6.3%) suggest a decrease in variability in this population. This magnitude of decreased variability is doubtful due to the nature of the method and the type of population involved. Percentage moisture is decreasing at a rate 0.5 percent per cycle of selection and the lodging is increasing at an average of 1.76 percent per cycle