Heterosis and genetic analysis of iron concentration in grains and leaves of maize
2007
Chen, F. | Chun, L. | Song, J. | Mi, G.
Iron (Fe) is a major micronutrient affecting animal and plant health. Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important crop for both food and fodders. The concentration of Fe in grains and vegetative organs, therefore, may exert a direct or indirect influence on human nutrition. Improving Fe nutrition by breeding is a promising way, but little is known about the genetics and heterosis of Fe nutrition in maize. In the present study, nine inbred lines were used to analyse the heterosis, combining ability and genetic ability of Fe concentration in grain and in the leaves supporting the cobs (ear-leaf) of maize by a diallel mating design. It was showed that heterosis of Fe concentration in grains was very low, indicating that traditional hybrid breeding may not be efficient for improving this trait. Iron concentration of the ear-leaf was controlled by additive gene effects and heterosis was high, indicating that hybrid breeding can be used to improve Fe nutrition of the vegetative organs of maize.
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