ABSTRACT: The development and recommendation of single cross maize hybrids (SH) to be used in extensive land areas (mega-environments), and in different crop seasons requires many experiments under numerous environmental conditions. The question we asked is if the data from these multi-environment experiments are sufficient to identify the best hybrid combinations. The aim of this study was to critically analyze the phenotype data of experiments of yield, established by a large seed producing company, under a high level of imbalance. Data from evaluation of 2770 SH were used from experiments conducted over four years, involving the first and second crop seasons, in 50 locations of different years and regions of Brazil. Different types of analysis were carried out and genetic and non-genetic components were estimated, with emphasis on the different interactions of the SH with the environments. Results showed that the coincidence of common hybrids in these experiments is normally small. The estimates of the correlations between of the hybrids coinciding in the environments two by two is of low magnitude. The hybrid × crop season interaction was always expressive; however, the interactions of hybrids and other environmental variables were also important. Under these conditions, alternatives were discussed for making with the information obtained from the experiments, can be more efficient on the process to obtain new hybrids by companies.

Resumo: O tratamento químico de sementes de milho é prática amplamente adotada para proteção das lavouras. No entanto, algumas moléculas interferem na qualidade das sementes, sobretudo quando armazenadas, acelerando sua deterioração. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a influência de inseticidas sobre a expressão enzimática e qualidade de sementes de milho submetidas ao armazenamento. Sementes dos híbridos 2B647PW e SHS4070 foram submetidas a quatro diferentes tratamentos químicos (tratamento padrão, padrão + clotianidina, padrão + tiametoxam e padrão + fipronil) e armazenadas por diferentes períodos (0, 3, 6 e 9 meses). Os testes de qualidade incluíram a primeira contagem de germinação, germinação, teste frio sem solo e teste de sanidade. A expressão das enzimas α-amilase, esterase, superóxido dismutase, catalase e álcool desidrogenase foram determinadas pela técnica de eletroforese em gel. Concluiu-se que os inseticidas clotianidina, tiametoxam e fipronil reduzem a qualidade fisiológica das sementes do híbrido 2B647PW aos nove meses de armazenamento. O tratamento das sementes com os inseticidas clotianidina, tiametoxam e fipronil reduz a expressão das enzimas α-amilase, superóxido dismutase e catalase aos nove meses de armazenamento. As enzimas α-amilase, superóxido dismutase, catalase e álcool desidrogenase são bons marcadores da qualidade de sementes híbridas de milho.

Abstract: The chemical treatment of corn seeds is widely adopted for protecting crops at the early stages. However, some molecules interfere in the quality of seeds, especially when stored, by accelerating their deterioration. The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of insecticides on the enzymatic expression and quality of corn seeds subjected to storage. Seeds of the hybrids 2B647PW and SHS4070 were subjected to four different chemical treatments (standard treatment, standard + clothianidin, standard + thiamethoxam, and standard + fipronil) and stored for different periods (0, 3, 6, and 9 months). The quality evaluation included the germination test, first germination count, cold test, and health test. The expression of the enzymes α-amylase, esterase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and alcohol dehydrogenase were determined by the gel electrophoresis technique. The insecticides clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and fipronil reduce the physiological quality of the seeds of hybrid 2B647PW after nine months of storage. The treatment of seeds with the insecticides clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and fipronil reduces the expression of α-amylase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes after nine months of storage. The enzymes α-amylase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and alcohol dehydrogenase are good quality markers for hybrid corn seeds.

RESUMO A escolha do germoplasma é uma das fases mais importantes do programa de melhoramento genético do milho pois é o início do desenvolvimento de híbridos superiores. Em vista disso, os objetivos deste estudo foi obter as estimativas de m+a e d, e a depressão por endogamia para as características produtividade de grãos e altura de plantas, e assim predizer o potencial dos híbridos de milho para extração de linhagens. Foram testadas as gerações F1 e F2 de 12 híbridos de milho, em dois locais durante os anos agrícolas de 2017/18 e 2018/19, contabilizando quatro ambientes. As duas gerações, F1 e F2, foram avaliadas em experimentos contíguos no delineamento de blocos casualizados, com três e duas repetições durante os anos 2017/18 e 2018/19, respectivamente. Foram coletados dados de altura de plantas e produtividade de grãos por parcela das duas gerações, e a partir destes dados, foram estimados os componentes de média, m+a e d, para ambas características. Para o caráter produtividade de grãos, os efeitos de dominância apresentaram maior importância. Os híbridos mais promissores para extração de linhagens foram AG1051, AG8025, BG7046, DKB455 e OMEGA uma vez que apresentaram maiores estimativas de m+a. Destacando-se os híbridos AG8025 e BG7046 os quais mostraram altos valores de m+a, além de médias de produtividade elevadas. Para o caráter altura de plantas, houve maior contribuição dos efeitos aditivos. Portanto, observou-se maior depressão por endogamia para o caráter produtividade de grãos quando comparado com altura de plantas.

ABSTRACT The choice of germplasm is one of the most important phases of a genetic improvement program to the fact that it is the initial development stage of superior hybrids. Hence, the objectives of this study were to obtain the estimates of m+a and d, and inbreeding depression for grain yield and plant height traits, for cultivars lacking this information, and thus to predict the potential of maize hybrids for the extraction of lines. The F1 and F2 generations of 12 maize hybrids were tested at two sites, during the crop years of 2017-18 and 2018-19, accounting for four environments. Both the generations were evaluated in contiguous experiments in randomized blocks design with three and two repetitions during the years 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively. The data on plant height and grain yield were collected, per plot, from both the generations, utilizing which, the m+a and d mean components were estimated. The effects of dominance had greater importance for the character grain yield. The most promising hybrids for extraction of lines were AG1051, AG8025, BG7046, DKB455, and OMEGA due to their greater estimates of m+a. The hybrids AG8025 and BG7046 were associated with high values of m+a and grain yield. For the plant height trait, there was a greater contribution of additive effects. Therefore, greater inbreeding depression was observed for the grain yield trait when compared to the height of the plant.

Resumo: Objetivou-se verificar a interferência do tratamento com inseticidas e fungicidas sobre a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de milho, classificadas em dois tamanhos, em diferentes períodos de armazenamento. Sementes do híbrido BM915 PRO, classificadas em dois tamanhos (CH20/64 e CH24/64), foram tratadas com calda caracterizada pela mistura de Carbendazim + Thiram (Derosal Plus®), Deltametrina (Actellic®), Pirimifós metílico (K-obiol®) e água (tratamento padrão). Além do tratamento padrão adotado pela empresa, foram acrescentados à mistura da calda tratamentos com clotianidina (Poncho®), tiametoxam (Cruizer®) e fipronil (Shelter®). As sementes foram armazenadas em ambiente não climatizado em embalagens de papel multifoliado. A qualidade fisiológica das sementes foi avaliada, a cada noventa dias, por um período de 270 dias por meio do teste de germinação, teste de frio e envelhecimento acelerado. Foi avaliada, ainda, a qualidade sanitária por meio do Blotter test. Concluiu-se que a qualidade fisiológica das sementes do híbrido BM915 PRO é mantida até os noventa dias de armazenamento, independente do tratamento químico utilizado e do tamanho das sementes. A adição do inseticida ao tratamento padrão utilizado no tratamento químico das sementes não afeta a ação dos fungicidas sobre os fungos presentes nestas.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of treatment with insecticides and fungicides on the physiological quality of corn seeds, classified in sizes, in different periods of storage. Seeds of the hybrid BM915 PRO, classified in two sizes (CH20/64 and CH24/64), were treated with a mixture of carbendazim + thiram (Derosal Plus®), pirimiphos methyl (Actellic®), deltamethrin (K-obiol®), and water (standard treatment). In addition to the standard treatment adopted by the company, treatments with clothianidin (Poncho®), thiamethoxam (Cruizer®), and fipronil (Shelter®) were added to the spray mixture. The seeds were stored in a non-climate-controlled environment in multi-ply paper packages. The physiological quality of the seeds was evaluated every ninety days over a period of 270 days by the germination test, cold test, and accelerated aging. Sanitary quality was also evaluated through the Blotter test. The physiological quality of seeds of the hybrid BM915 PRO is maintained up to ninety days of storage, regardless of the chemical treatment used and the size of the seeds. The addition of the insecticide to the standard treatment used in chemical seed treatment does not affect the action of the fungicides on the fungi in the seeds.

Abstract Water deficit stress is the abiotic factor with the highest impact on crop yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate grain yield (GY), the anthesis-silking interval (ASI) and drought tolerance indices in maize hybrids. We evaluated GY and the ASI of 86 hybrids under two moisture levels (normal irrigation and water stress) for three consecutive years. The stress susceptibility index, water stress tolerance, drought resistance coefficient, drought resistance index, stress tolerance index and harmonic mean were evaluated. There were significant hybrid x environment interactions for GY and the ASI. Differences in the ASI among environments ranged from 0 to 5 days. The hybrids P3862, 1I873, 1I923, 1I862 and 1J1211 showed high GY, associated with the highest drought tolerance indices. The stress tolerance index and harmonic mean indices can be used to identify higher-yielding maize hybrids in environments with and without water restriction.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate gene expression related to water deficit tolerance in maize lines. For this, lines previously classified as tolerant (91-T and 32-T) and non-tolerant (24-NT and 57-NT) to water deficit were used. The seeds of the four lines were evaluated for emergence and emergence speed index, and the seedlings were evaluated for root and shoot length under two conditions of water availability (70 and 10% substrate water retention capacity). In transcript analysis, the expression of several genes associated with water deficit tolerance, ZmDBP3, ZmALDH9, ZmAN13, and ZmDREB2A, was evaluated by qRT-PCR for the 91-T and 57-NT lines. It can be concluded that soil water deficiency did not reduce root development. However, the shoot length was significantly lower under dry conditions. Through transcript analysis, the genes ZmDBP3 and ZmAN13 were identified as potential markers for the early selection of maize lines tolerant to water deficit.

ABSTRACT. Maize breeding programs conduct multi-environment trials every year to assess the performance of new cultivars in pre-releasing tests. The data are combined across sites and seasons to perform a joint analysis in order to obtain information that will help breeders to select the best cultivars for different environments. Beyond this, it is essential to understand the different factors that can hamper the selection and genetic progress (i.e., genetic variability, selection intensity and genotype-by-environment interactions). In this study, the genetic progress (GP) was estimated and the adaptability and stability of 81 maize genotypes were evaluated in a series of trials for the value of cultivation and use (VCU) between the 2010/11 and 2014/15 growing seasons. The genotypes were composed of open-pollinated varieties, topcross hybrids, intervarietal hybrids, and single, double and three-way cross hybrids and were assessed in 117 environments in the central region of Brazil, from which 22 presented environmental stresses. For grain yield, an annual GP of 331.5 kg ha-1 was observed, thus showing efficiency in the selection of superior cultivars. Additionally, it was observed that some low-cost seed cultivars showed yield potential, adaptability and stability estimates that were compatible with commercial hybrids, thus making them quite attractive for cultivation in environments with or without abiotic stresses.

RESUMOA duplicação cromossômica artificial está dentre as etapas mais importantes na obtenção de duplo-haploides em milho. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a capacidade de indução da linhagem indutora KEMS em clima tropical e testar a eficiência do marcador R1-navajo por meio de citometria de fluxo; avaliar dois protocolos de duplicação cromossômica e, analisar o desenvolvimento dos haploides duplicados no campo. Para isso, quatro genótipos (gerações F1 e F2) foram cruzados com a linhagem KEMS. As sementes obtidas foram selecionadas pelo marcador R1-navajo e submetidas a dois protocolos de duplicação cromossômica. A duplicação foi confirmada por meio de citometria de fluxo. As porcentagens de plantas autofecundadas após duplicação foram analisadas, bem como as quantidades de sementes duplo-haploides obtidas após as autofecundações. Foi observado que o germoplasma influencia a indução de haploides, mas não na taxa de duplicação dos protocolos testados. O protocolo 2 foi mais eficiente na duplicação de haploides, na porcentagem de plantas autofecundadas após duplicação, e na obtenção de linhagens duplo-haploides. Além disso, a linhagem indutora KEMS pode induzir haploides em clima tropical. Outros marcadores além do sistema do R1-navajo devem ser utilizados na seleção de sementes haploides.

ABSTRACTArtificial chromosome duplication is one of the most important process in the attainment of doubled haploids in maize. This study aimed to evaluate the induction ability of the inducer line KEMS in a tropical climate and test the efficiency of the R1-Navajo marker by flow cytometry to evaluate two chromosome duplication protocols and analyze the development of the doubled haploids in the field. To accomplish this goal, four genotypes (F1 and F2 generations) were crossed with the haploid inducer line KEMS. The seeds obtained were selected using the R1-Navajo marker and subject to two chromosome duplication protocols. Duplication was confirmed using flow cytometry. The percentages of self-fertilized plants after duplication as well as the quantities of doubled haploid seeds obtained after the self-fertilization processes were analyzed. It was observed that the germplasm influences haploid induction but not the duplication rates of the tested protocols. Protocol 2 was more efficient for the duplication of haploids, in the percentage of self-fertilized plants after duplication, and in the attainment of doubled haploid lines. Moreover, the haploid inducer line KEMS can produce haploids in a tropical climate. Other markers, in addition to the R1-Navajo system, should be used in the selection of haploid seeds.

A caracterização precoce de genótipos, por meio de avaliação prévia da qualidade fisiológica de suas sementes e seus sistemas enzimáticos, pode fornecer parâmetros capazes de auxiliar na seleção de novas cultivares de milho tolerantes ao estresse hídrico. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho das sementes de cinco linhagens de milho submetidas à quatro níveis de estresse hídrico. Para isso, a qualidade fisiológica das sementes, germinadas sob os potenciais osmóticos de 0,0; -0,3; -0,6 e -0,9 MPa, foi avaliada pelo teste de germinação, número de plântulas normais fortes e T50, bem como pela expressão das isoenzimas superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutamato oxalacetato transaminase (GOT), esterase (EST), malato desidrogenase (MDH), álcool desidrogenase (ADH) e de proteínas resistentes ao calor. O potencial osmótico de -0,9 MPa afetou a qualidade fisiológica, bem como o vigor das sementes de todas as linhagens avaliadas. Os maiores valores para a porcentagem de germinação, nos menores potenciais osmóticos avaliados, foram observados nas sementes da linhagem 63. No entanto, sementes da linhagem 91 foram superiores quanto ao vigor. Maior expressão das enzimas SOD e CAT, consideradas como enzimas do sistema antioxidante, foram observadas em sementes das linhagens 44 e 91. Assim, a linhagem 91 é considerada como linhagem promissora quanto à tolerância ao estresse hídrico.

Early characterization of genotypes, through the previous assessment of physiological quality of their seeds and their enzymatic systems, can provide parameters capable of aiding in the selection of new maize cultivars tolerant to water stress. Thus, this study was aimed at assessing seed performance of five different maize lines subjected to four different water stress levels. The physiological quality of seeds germinated under the osmotic potentials of 0.0, -0.3, -0.6 and -0.9 MPa was assessed by germination test, number of strong normal seedlings and T50, as well as by the expression of the isozymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), esterase (EST), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and of heat-resistant proteins. The osmotic potential of -0.9 MPa affected the physiological quality and vigor of seeds of all maize lines assessed. The highest values for the germination percent, in the lowest osmotic potentials assessed, were found in the seeds of line 63. However, seeds of line 91 were superior in regard to vigor. Increased expression of the enzymes SOD and CAT, considered as enzymes of the antioxidant system, was observed in seeds of lines 44 and 91. Thus, line 91 was considered as promising for tolerance to water stress.

A qualidade fisiológica de sementes de milho é influenciada pelo genótipo. Assim, o estudo da expressão de genes associados a essa característica é importante no processo de seleção de genótipos em programas de melhoramento. O objetivo neste trabalho foi estudar a expressão das enzimas amilases associadas à qualidade fisiológica de sementes de milho, de diferentes genótipos e tamanhos de sementes. Objetivou-se ainda avaliar a expressão dessas enzimas em sementes secas e embebidas. O experimento foi conduzido em área experimental e no Laboratório Central de Sementes do Departamento de Agricultura da Universidade Federal de Lavras. Foram utilizadas sementes de quatro linhagens de milho, classificadas em dois tamanhos. A qualidade fisiológica das sementes foi avaliada por meio dos testes de germinação, emergência de plântulas, índice de velocidade de emergência de plântulas e envelhecimento artificial. A expressão da enzima -amilase foi avaliada pela técnica de eletroforese e a expressão dos genes alpha amylase B73, alpha amylase (LOC542522) e beta amylase 5 (amyb5), foi estudada pela técnica de qRT-PCR em sementes secas e embebidas das linhagens. Há expressão diferenciada das enzimas amilases em sementes de linhagens com diferentes níveis de qualidade fisiológica. Maior expressão das enzimas amilases é observada em sementes de milho de menor tamanho e embebidas.

The physiological quality of maize seeds is affected by the genotype. Thus, the study of expression of genes associated with this characteristic is important in the genotype selection process in breeding programs. The aim of this research was to study the expression of amylase enzymes associated with physiological quality of maize seeds with different genotypes and seed sizes. We further sought to assess the expression of these enzymes in dry and soaked seeds The experiment was conducted in the experimental area and the Central Seed Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture of the Universidade Federal de Lavras. Seeds of four maize inbred lines were used, classified in two sizes. The physiological quality of the seeds was evaluated by means of germination, seedling emergence, seedling emergence speed index and accelerated aging test. Expression of the alpha amylase enzyme was evaluated by the electrophoresis technique and expression of the alpha amylase B73, alpha amylase (LOC542522) and beta amylase 5 (amyb5) genes was studied by the qRT-PCR technique in dry and soaked seeds of the inbred lines. There is differentiated expression of amylase enzymes in maize seeds of inbred lines with different levels of physiological quality. higher expression of amylase enzymes is observed in soaked maize seeds. The expression of transcripts is higher in smaller as wellas in soaked maize seeds of inbred lines.

O desenvolvimento de linhagens homozigotas em milho pode ser acelerado por meio do uso de haploides. Para isso, a obtenção e identificação prévia dos haploides gerados pelas linhagens indutoras de haploidia é um fator importante. O objetivo do trabalho foi identificar haplóides por meio de citometria de fluxo para então correlacionar o conteúdo de DNA nuclear aos caracteres morfológicos e morfométricos das sementes que os originaram. Além disso, marcadores moleculares foram utilizados para confirmar a natureza androgenética do haploide. As sementes obtidas foram provenientes do cruzamento entre a linhagem W23 e o híbrido comercial P30F90. Dentre essas sementes, foi selecionado um grupo, possíveis haplóides, cujo embrião era branco e o pericarpo arroxeado. Esse grupo, constituído de 330 sementes, foi caracterizado quanto à morfologia, morfometria e conteúdo de DNA nuclear. As análises de citometria de fluxo identificaram quatro haploides, e todos eles apresentaram porte reduzido e folhas quebradiças. Os pesos, comprimentos, espessuras e larguras das sementes haplóides variaram muito, indicando que caracteres morfométricos não são eficientes para a seleção visual de haploides. Baseado nos resultados, a linhagem W23 induz haplóides em milho mesmo em condições tropicais. Os marcadores moleculares microssatélites (SSR) mostraram-se eficientes, comprovando o caráter androgenético dos haploides.

The development of homozygous breeding lines in maize may be accelerated through the use of haploids. Thus, the obtaining and prior identification of haploids generated by the haploid inducer lines is an important factor. The purpose of this study was to identify haploids by flow cytometry and to correlate the nuclear DNA content to the morphological and morphometric traits of the seeds that gave rise to them. In addition, molecular markers were used to confirm the androgenetic nature of the haploid. The seeds obtained were derived from the cross between the inbred line W23 and the commercial hybrid P30F90. Among these seeds, a group was selected, putative haploids, whose embryo was white and the pericarp purplish. This group, consisting of 330 seeds, was characterized based on seed morphology, seed morphometry and nuclear DNA content. Flow cytometry analyses identified four haploids, and all of them were small size plants and had brittle leaves. The weight, length, thickness and width of the haploid seeds were very variable indicating that morphometric traits do not constitute reliable data for visual selection of haploid seeds. Based on results, the inbred line W23 induced haploid maize even under tropical conditions. Microsatellite molecular markers (SSR) proved to be efficient, confirming the androgenetic trait of the haploids.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a natureza e a magnitude dos efeitos gênicos da resistência à Cercosporiose. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. A avaliação da resistência foi realizada utilizando escala diagramática com notas. Os dados obtidos foram analisados por experimento, utilizando-se médias de parcela. Foi considerado um modelo aditivo-dominante sem epistasia, com a estimação dos componentes de média e de variância. O controle genético da resistência à Cercosporiose é poligênico, com predominância dos efeitos aditivos, com dominância em poucos locos de pequeno efeito e alta herdabilidade, condição essa favorável à seleção.

The main goal of this study was to assess the nature and magnitude of gene effects for resistance to Cercospora leaf spot. A randomized block design with three replications was used. The data were obtained at the plant level by assessing the disease severity. The data were analyzed per experiment, using the average data per plot. A dominant-additive genetic model without epistasis was considered, with estimation of the components of means and variance. The genetic control of resistance to gray leaf spot is polygenic with predominance of the additive effects. Dominance was observed in a few small-effect loci and high heritability values.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar o fluxo gênico em milho transgênico com resistência a insetos, em lavouras comerciais. Amostras de grãos foram coletadas em lavouras com milho convencional e transgênico, nos municípios de: Itumirim, Uberlândia, Paracatu e Tupaciguara, MG; Itapetininga e Pedrinhas, SP; e Assaí e Ponta Grossa, PR. As amostras foram coletadas em lavouras de milho convencional, a partir de 5 m de distância da fonte com o milho transgênico. Foram coletadas dez espigas de plantas individuais por ponto, em quatro repetições, no total de 40 espigas para cada distância amostrada. As análises de fluxo gênico foram realizadas por meio da técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) em tempo real. Em média, 82% da fecundação cruzada ocorreu nos primeiros 30 m. Em Itapetininga, SP, foram observadas as maiores taxas de fecundação cruzada - acima de 10% até a distância de 50 m -, porém, inferiores a 1% na distância de 100 m. O isolamento de 20 m, com dez linhas de bordadura, não é suficiente para garantir taxas de fecundação cruzada inferiores a 1%.

The objective of this work was to estimate the gene flow on insect-resistant transgenic maize in grain production fields. Grain samples were collected in fields containing conventional and transgenic maize in the Brazilian municipalities of: Itumirim, Uberlândia, Paracatu, and Tupaciguara, in the state of Minas Gerais; Itapetininga and Pedrinhas, in the state of São Paulo; and Assaí and Ponta-Grossa, in the state of Paraná. Seed samples were collected in conventional maize crops starting 5 m away from the transgenic maize source. Ten corn cobs were collected from individual plants per sampling point, with four replicates, totaling 40 corn cobs at each evaluated distance. Gene flow analyses were carried out by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). On average, 82% of cross-fertilization occurred within the first 30 m. The highest outcrossing rates were observed in Itapetininga, SP, - at rates above 10% up to a distance of 50 m; however, less than 1% at 100 m distance. The 20-m isolation, with ten border lines, is not sufficient to ensure outcrossing rates lower than 1%.

The objective of this experiment was to characterize the dry matter production of vegetative components (stalk, leaf, husk, and cob) and reproductive components (grain) of the corn plant according to planting time and the grain maturity stage. Eight corn hybrids with different agronomic characteristics were used to carry out the experiments. Two experiments were performed with planting undertaken on 11/11/2007 and 12/12/2007 under a conventional tillage system. The eight corn cultivars were harvested at three grain maturity stages, half milk line, three quarters milk line and black layer. An 8 × 3 factorial (eight hybrids and the three cutting times) randomized blocks design was used, with three replications. Individual analysis of variance was performed for each experiment. Then joint analysis of variance was performed involving the two planting times. The means were grouped and the hybrids used as replications to characterize the components. Delay in planting significantly reduced the dry matter productivity of the whole plant; however, it did not reduce its degradability. The greatest dry matter productivity obtained was that of grain, followed by stalk, leaf, husk and cob. The vegetative components, leaves and husk, lose quality with delay in planting. The leaf is the vegetative component of highest quality, while the cob is the worst. Delay in planting increases the neutral detergent fiber content of the stalk, husk and cob.

A incorporação de resistência genética a doenças e o aumento na produtividade de grãos estão entre os principais objetivos dos programas de desenvolvimento de híbridos. A identificação de locos de caracteres quantitativos (QTL) por meio de análises estatísticas associadas a marcadores moleculares possibilita a rápida obtenção de híbridos resistentes e produtivos. Nesta pesquisa, objetivou-se identificar locos de caracteres quantitativos (QTL) associados com resistência à cercosporiose e com produção de grãos em germoplasma de milho tropical. Foram utilizadas duas linhagens contrastantes em níveis de reação à doença (genótipos pertencentes à GENESEEDS - Ltda), seu híbrido F1 e a população segregante F2. Essas plantas foram fenotipadas quanto à resistência a doença e quanto a produção de grãos e genotipadas com 94 marcadores de microssatélites. A associação dos marcadores ao QTL foi realizada por meio de análises de marcas individuais, utilizando as metodologias de regressão linear e análise da máxima verossimilhança. Observou-se que o tipo de efeito predominante no controle genético da resistência a cercosporiose foi o aditivo e para o controle genético da produção de grãos foi de dominância. Os marcadores microssatélites mais promissores para serem utilizados em estudos de seleção assistida para resistência a cercosporiose são umc2082 na posição 4.03 e umc1117 na posição 4.04 e para produção de grãos, umc1042 e umc1058 nas posições 2.07 e 4.11.

The main objectives of hybrid development programs include incorporating genetic resistance to diseases and increasing grain yield. Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) through the statistical analysis of molecular markers allows efficient selection of resistant and productive hybrids. The objective of this research was to identify QTL associated with resistance to gray leaf spot and for grain yield in the germplasm of tropical corn. We used two strains with different degrees of reaction to the disease; the genotypes are owned by GENESEEDS Ltda, their F1 hybrid and the F2 population. The plants were evaluated for gray leaf spot resistance, for grain yield and were genotyped with 94 microsatellite markers. Association of the markers with the QTL was performed by single marker analysis using linear regression and maximum likelihood analysis. It was observed that the additive effect was predominant for genetic control of resistance to gray leaf spot, and the dominant effect in that of grain yield. The most promising markers to be used in studies of assisted selection are: umc2082 in bins 4.03 and umc1117 in bins 4.04 for resistance to gray leaf spot; for grain yield umc1042 in bins 2.07 and umc1058 in bins 4.11.