Estimation of genetic parameters and prediction of gains for DFT1-Ribeirão popcorn population

Abstract

In order to evaluate the potential for improvement of DFT1- Ribeirão popcorn populations by estimatingthe genetic parameters and prediction of gains with selection among half-sib families, 121 half-sib familiesextracted from that population were evaluated . The lattice was used with two replications. Elevated grain yieldand acceptable popping expansion (PE) were observed. Additive genetic variance was significant for most ofthe evaluated characters, including productivity and PE. The narrow sense heritabilities were 67.84% ( grainyield ) and 60.97% (PE). The DFT–Ribeirão population produced 4918.0 kg/ha and 20 mL/g PE, which can bereduced to 4724.0 kg/ha and PE 23 mL/g in the next cycle. Ten families were selected based on PE and proportionof lodge plants (PLP). A 35% decrease in PLP, 9.58% gain in PE and 2.67% decrease in grain yield are expectedin the base population. It may be concluded that DFT1–Ribeirão population shows additive genetic variabilityof the principal characters and adequate mean grain yield; popping expansion limitations and lodge plant andear disease percentages. In the next cycle, the population will show a reduced lodge percentage, and increasedPE, maintaining the same grain yield, thus having a potential to be used in popcorn breeding programs.