Working Document Series Open Access 2010 RUF-34614

Grain filling patterns of CIMMYT early maize inbred lines

R. EdemaE. GasuraP. GibsonP. OkoriP. SetimelaA. Tarekegne

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Abstract

100 words

Despite the ability of early maize to escape drought and provide food early, it yields 20-30% less than late maize. The challenge is to increase yield while maintaining earliness. A study is ongoing at CIMMYT, Harare to determine whether grain fill rate and duration can be used as selection criteria for yield. Fifteen early maize inbred lines characterized revealed genetic variations in grain fill rate and duration that was correlated to yield implying that they are a better method for indirect selection for yield. Therefore, a great potential for increasing the yield of early maize exist using indirect selection methods.

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