Genetic variability and morphological modifications in flooding tolerance in maize, variety BRS-4154

Abstract

Maize plants of the variety BRS 4154 – Saracura were evaluated in different cycles of recurrent selection to determine genetic gains in flooding tolerance, arranged in a random block design. The maize variety BRS 4154 in four selection cycles (1, 5, 9 and 15), together with the flooding-sensitive variety BR 107 and single cross BRS 1010 as control, were sown and evaluated. The stress caused by waterlogged soil reduced the weight of 100 seeds and grain yield but did not affect the number of kernel rows, ear length or prolificacy. Selection for yield resulted in higher yields.