Comparison Between some Corn Synthetic Populations Obtained from Transylvanian
Abstract
Synthetic varieties of corn are open-pollinated populations obtained by cross-pollination of
a group of inbred lines. Besides the inbred lines, corn synthetics can be obtained from local
populations or hybrids. In general, they are superior to local populations but not exceeding heterotic
hybrids. The main advantage of corn synthetic varieties is that their heterosis does not diminish
significantly in F
Â
2 generation. Interest in this biological category increased after 1999, when
CIMMYT's considered viable alternatives in areas where use of hybrid seed is too expensive
(especially in developing countries).
Obtaining corn synthetics from local populations aims at enriching their gene pool with a
large number of valuable genes derived from local populations that are characteristic to some
agricultural areas. SCDA Turda tried to exploit the large number of local populations still existing in
Romania, and obtained a series of synthetics intended for areas that still practice subsistence
agriculture. To assess their value, we tested six synthetics obtained from local populations in
comparison with one traditional synthetic derived from inbred lines; two locations and two
experimental years have been considered and the conclusions have been included in this paper.
Synthetic populations derived from a combination of local populations cannot be used as
such in production due to their lower yield performance and low resistance to stalk breaking and
falling. Nevertheless, they can be valuable sources of genes for the following traits: vegetative period,
earliness, resistance to low spring temperatures, resistance to
Â
Fusarium , precocity and the content of
fat, protein, fiber and minerals.
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