Partial diallel and potential of super sweet corn inbred lines bt 2 to obtain hybrids

ABSTRACT The aims of this study were to determine the potential of S4 super sweet corn inbred lines for hybrid synthesis, identify the predominant types of gene action and correlations among different traits, significant for breeding programs. The 81 hybrids obtained from a partial diallel 9x9 and three checks were evaluated. A complete randomized block design, with three replicates, and two sowing seasons was used. We could notice significant hybrid effects, general combining ability (GCA) of GI and GII groups and specific combining ability (SCA) in relation to evaluated traits, highlighting the existence of hybrids with superior performance and the expression of additive and non-additive effects. The inbred lines: L1, L3, L6 and L9 (GI) and L1’, L7’ and L9’ (GII) showed the best GCA and SCA estimates, being present in the nine selected hybrids with superior and competitive performance in relation to the checks. The estimated correlations indicate that, for a breeding program aiming to increase grain productivity, evaluating, at least, the dehusked ears, prioritizing genotypes with larger ear diameters and longer ear lengths is important.