Heredity of chloroplast pigments parameters of maize (Zea mays L.)

The environmental adaptation of maize germplasm is mainly controlled by certain genes. This factor is influenced by both the genotype and the environment itself. The gene is able to express itself in the germination and seedling vigor under the occurring conditions. The following 13 maize cultivars were used: NK Cooler, Delitop, Gazele, NK Ravello, ES Palazzo, ES Paroli, Clarica, PR 39 G 12, SY Cooky, Drim, SY Mascotte, ES Fortran and PR 39 K 13. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications. Selection for high and low chlorophyll content was performed in the field using the SPAD chlorophyll meter, and response to selection was measured in field evaluations of the populations. We evaluated the SPAD, content of: chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a+b, chlorophyll a/b and carotenoids. Data were submitted to analysis of variance. For comparison of means, we adopted the Tukey’s honestly significant difference at the 0.05 level. The coefficients of phenotypic, genotypic and environmental variation as well as heritability and genetic gain were estimated. The results indicated genetic variability for the different traits of the studied chloroplast pigments, with high heritability and possible genetic gain with the potential to be used in breeding programs