Influence of Parentage On in-Vivo Induction Rate of Haploid-Tropical Maize (Zea mays L.).

Abstract

In vivo double haploid technique in maize relies on the potential of the parents to induce haploidness (induction rate). In this paper we try to understand the genetics underlying the potential induction rate of the maternal parent. Ten tropical inbred lines were crossed in a half diallel design. The 45 F₁s were crossed with the inducer hybrid, RWSxUH400. A highly significant difference in induction rate among the maternal genotypes was observed. Induction rate ranged from 1.4 – 14.5% with an average of 6.1%. Analysis of variance for general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were highly significant revealing that both additive and non additive genes were responsible for expression of induction rate. P6, P8 and P9 were the best combiners for induction rate. P2xP3 and P2xP4 had the best SCA. This study reveals the contribution of the maternal genotype in determining induction rate and thereby affecting the potential of double haploid breeding technique.