Joint Multi-Generation Genetic Analysis on Kernelling Rate of Maize

The kernelling rate of maize is an indicator of the as similation product distribution of the plant. It closely relates to the kernel count on an ear of maize, or the plant yield. To understand the inheritance of maize would be of significant interest inbreeding high yield varieties.Six generations, i.e., P₁, P₂, F₁, BC₁, BC₂, and F₂, from the cross L055 Qi319 were studied using the mixed major genesand ploygene inheritance model. The results showed that maize kernelling rate was controlled by two major genes with additive-dominance-epistatic effects as well as polygene with additive-dominant effects. The additive-dominant effects of the two major genes and polygene could increase the rate, while the epistatic effect decreased it.The major gene heritability of BC₁, BC₂, and F₂ were 54.05%, 36.26% and 48.83%, respectively; while the polygene, 26.45%, 46.36% and 31.43%, respectively.The combined heritability of major genes and polygene was 81.13%.They were all important on the inheritance of kernelling rate, which was mainly governed by the major genes, affected more strongly by the non-additive than the additivegene effect, and somewhat influenced by the environmental conditions.