Changes in phenotypic traits for key inbred lines of Chinese maize

Abstract

The phenotypic stability of plant key inbred lines among generations is one basic demand for plant breeding. In this study, we collected a set of 63 key inbred lines of Chinese maize which have been developed during the past 30 years and studied the phenotypic changes of 25 traits after having been planted at three independent ecological locations for two years. The 63 key inbred lines could be classified into four heterotic groups, namely Sipingtou, Lancaster, Luda Red Cob, and Reid. Our results showed that the plant type, maturity, and value weight were stably inherited in Sipingtou. However, in group Lancaster, the traits of Cob weight/100-kernel weight/double ear rate and no near ear rate could be stably inherited, and Kernel per row, tassel branch and kernel depth in group Luda Red Cob; but then yield traits were not obviously changed in group Reid. © 2012 Springer-Verlag GmbH.