Selection for Early Flowering in Corn
1972
Troyer, A. F. | Brown, W. L.
Three late, serai-exotic corn (Zea mays L.) synthetics were selected (5% level) for early silking by sib-mating over a six-generation period; then the seven cycles (including original forms) were compared in performance trials at three plant densities over 2 years. Virtually every ' trait measured changed significantly due to selection only for early flowering. Effect per cycle averaged: 1.00 q/ha yield increase; 1.2 points of percent H2O decrease; 2.8% stalk breakage increase; 7.2-cm plant height decrease; 5.2-cm ear height decrease; 1.8 days less to flower; and 0.3 days less silk delay. The decrease in silk delay suggests that the method may be useful in selecting materials for adaptation to high plant densities. We observed a maturity-influenced cycle-by-year interaction for yield where early flowering cycles had a distinct advantage in a cool, short season.
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