Abstract The present study selected progenies, aiming at the production of green corn, by methods of intrapopulation recurrent selection with subsequent recombination, generating open-pollinated populations. To this end, in the 2017/2018 second season, progenies from the PMVJ01 population (originated from the recombination of progenies of the TG-02R2 x AG1051 cross) were evaluated, using PMVJ01 and the hybrid AG1051 as controls. The following parameters were evaluated: flowering, heights, green ear yield, husk cover, ear diameter and length, mass yield, ear shape, number of rows on the ear, alignment of rows, color of kernels, and husk width and length. Genetic parameters were estimated, and the gain was predicted with the selection of 20% of the progenies, using the index of Mulamba and Mock in four selection procedures and a fifth by multivariate method. Genetic variability was found in the population, which allows advances in the selection process. After recombination, two of the populations generated showed potential for use as open-pollinated cultivar.

ABSTRACT In plant breeding programs, the selection of potential progenies in early generations of inbreeding is an essential step. Considering that, the adoption of topcrosses helps the breeder in the selection, this study aimed to verify the potential of S2 strains for synthesis of synthetic varieties and to obtain experimental information on yield and agronomic potential of topcross hybrids. As such, 75 topcross hybrids were generated from crossing 75 S2 lines with F2 generation of the commercial hybrid. The 75 hybrids were grown in a field, along with two commercial hybrids in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates and in 4-meter plots. Flowering, plant height, height, diameter, length and weight in the ear, and grain yield traits were examined. Analysis of variance was performed, the combining ability was estimated, and, from the means, the Scott & Knott test was conducted. So, the topcross hybrids that distinguished themselves for grain yield were those composed by lines 67, 14, 44, and 69, presenting high CGA, therefore indicating good potential for producing synthetic or base population. For the other traits of agronomic interest that were assessed in maize, a potential for selection with different focuses was found: reduction of cycle and height and increase in length and diameter of the ear.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a estratégia seletiva mais adequada para o incremento simultâneo de componentes da produção de milho verde, pela comparação de três índices de seleção, ponderados por pesos econômicos, e pelo método REML/BLUP, na avaliação de ganhos genéticos previstos para os caracteres de interesse. Um ensaio com 75 híbridos topcross, de linhagens S1 parcialmente endogâmicas de milho-verde foi implementado em Jataí, GO, Brasil, tendo-se utilizado um delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. As seguintes características de produtividade foram avaliadas: espigas empalhadas e espigas comerciais, massa de grãos, comprimento de espiga, diâmetro de espiga e número de fileiras da espiga. Os índices de seleção de Smith e Hazel, Williams e de Mulamba & Mock foram aplicados e ponderados por quatro pesos econômicos (1, CVg, CVg/CVe e h2). Entre os índices de seleção testados, o de Williams e os de Mulamba & Mock são os melhores para a seleção de híbridos de milho verde, pois proporcionam ganhos de seleção positivos e mais equilibrados em todos os caracteres avaliados. O método REML/BLUP apresenta melhores ganhos genéticos preditos do que os obtidos pelos três índices de seleção estudados, além de ser eficiente para a seleção de híbridos topcross de milho verde.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to define the most suitable selective strategy for the simultaneous increment of yield components of green maize, by comparing three selection indexes weighted by economic weights and by the REML/BLUP method, in the assessment of predicted genetic gains for traits of interest. An experiment with 75 topcross hybrids from partially inbred S1 lines of green maize was carried out in Jataí, in the state of Goiás, Brazil, using a randomized complete block design, with four replicates. The following yield traits were evaluated: straw ears and commercial ears, grain mass, ear length, ear diameter, and number of ear rows. The selection indexes of Smith and Hazel, Williams, and Mulamba & Mock were applied and weighted for four economic weights (1, CVg, CVg/CVe, and h2). Among the tested selection indexes, those of Williams and Mulamba & Mock are the best-fit ones for the selection of topcross hybrids of green maize, as they provide positive and more balanced selection gains for all evaluated traits. The REML/BLUP method shows better predicted genetic gains than those achieved by the three selection indexes, besides being efficient for the selection of topcross hybrids of green maize.