Selection of S3 progenies of super sweet corn based on agronomic performance of topcrosses

Abstract

The aim of this study was to select S3 progenies of super sweet corn based on agronomic performance, evaluated in topcrosses with the narrow genetic base tester Honey Sweeter (Seminis®). The experiment was carried out in Guarapuava-PR. We evaluated 22 topcross hybrids and three checks, in two sowing times, in randomized blocks design with three replications. Six traits were evaluated: total yield of husked ears, commercial yield of husked ears, grain yield, grain length, ear diameter and total soluble solids content. Considering the set of evaluated traits, the topcrosses with progenies D2-07, D3-28, D4-53 and D5-24 were superior to the others; therefore, these progenies should continue in the inbreeding process and be evaluated in crosses with elite inbred lines with potential to generate competitive super sweet corn single hybrids.