The evaluation of heterosis for romanian maize germplasm

In this study, five inbred maize lines and ten F1 cross combinations were evaluated in a completely randomized block, in three recursions, placed in unirrigable conditions at the Agricultural Research Development Station (ARDS) Simnic, in 2009. After the heterosis of the F1 cross combinations was evaluated, high genetic differences between parents were noticed. The obtained results suggested that among the six studied parameters, only two the grain yield and the plant heights are relevant for an objective evaluation of heterosis phenomenon. It is recommended that the 4 x 5 and 1 x 5 cross combinations which recorded (for most of the analyzed parameters) the highest degrees of occurrence, both for heterosis over mid parent and for heterobeltiosis, should be used in the maize breeding program to exploit the hybrid vigor. (author)