Influence of cytoplasmic genetic male sterility in the grain yield of maize hybrids

Abstract

One of the main barriers to the production of hybrid maize seeds consists of needing detasseling of female parent in order to avoid contamination with unwanted pollen. This activity is a laborious practice, which makes the production more expensive and promotes productive losses. Thus, the use of cytoplasmic genetic male sterility can facilitate the hybridization process, and consequently, the production of hybrid seeds. The objective of this study was compare grain yield in maize hybrids produced from the combination of two testers with five distinct lines of cytoplasm C “Charrua” versus the isogenic of fertile cytoplasm. Twenty common hybrids were evaluated in relation to grain crops and resistance to leaf diseases, white spot and gray leaf spot. The experiments were carried out during summer season of 2015/2016 and winter season of 2016. The use of lines with cytoplasm C was observed and it is promising since it did not affect the agronomic performance of hybrids, regardless of environment, crop season, parental and tester used. Therefore, cytoplasm C can be used as an excellent source of cytoplasmic genetic sterility in the production of hybrid seeds in seed companies that want to decrease the use of detasseling practice.