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Vertical-Pull Resistance of Maize Inbreds and Their Testcrosses¹

Studies were conducted to determine the relationship between vertical root-pull resistance of maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds and that of their testcrosses with two inbred-testers as an evaluation of the extent to which differences among inbreds can be transmitted to crosses of those inbreds. Thirty-three inbreds and their testcrosses were evaluated at two stages of growth in four environments. Wide differences for pull resistance existed among the inbreds and were repeatable in different environments with minor interactions. The differences were present at the tassel stage of plant development and were most pronounced at the milk stage. Differences shown by the inbreds themselves were also expressed in their testcrosses but at a lower magnitude. Correlation coefficients calculated from combined data from the four environments for the inbreds vs. the two sets of testcrosses were 0.85 and 0.69 (significant at the 0.01 level of probability) at the tassel stage and 0.78 and 0.73 (significant at the 0.01 level of probability) at the milk stage. It is concluded that pull resistance differences among inbreds can be used to predict their performance in crosses.

Key Words: Zea mays L. • Rootworm tolerance • Diabrotica spp. • Root lodging • Root growth

² Formerly research geneticist (plants, USDA, SEA-AR, now plant breeder, Asgrow Seed Company, Ames, IA 50010.

Received for publication March 25, 1980.