Genetic parameters and prediction of genotypic values via REML/BLUP in families of half-sibs of traditional maize

Abstract

The study proposed to estimate variance components and genetic parameters by REML/BLUP in traditional maize half-sib families, to predict the best families. The work was conducted in a randomized block design with 14 genotypes and two replications. The plots consisted of three rows 5 m long, spaced 0.80 m between rows and 0.20 m between plants, where the central row was considered the useful area of ​​the plot. The genotypes were obtained from the selection of half-sib families of a traditional maize variety that was previously submitted to two rounds of mass selection. The evaluated traits were: plant height (AP), ear insertion height (IEA), ear length (EC), ear diameter (DE), number of grain rows (NFG), number of grains per row (NGF), ear mass (ME) and grain mass (MG). The variance components, genetic parameters and predicted genotypic values ​​were obtained using the REML/BLUP methodology. Thus, it was observed that there was presence of superior genotypes among the families. AP, AIE, EC, ME and MG showed higher gene expression. However, the families with the best genetic progress were L1531, L2032 and L723.