Comparison of three tester parents in evaluating popcorn families derived from IAC-125

Abstract

Thirty-eight S3 families obtained by selfing from IAC-125 popcorn hybrid were evaluated by three different topcross tester parents: an inbred line P3.3 - S7 generation taken from popcorn population CMS-42, an open-pollinated variety BRS Angela and the commercial three-way hybrid Jade. Manual crossings were performed according to a partial diallel mating design. Topcross hybrids were evaluated in individual experiments for each tester carried out in randomized block designs with three replications in two locations (Maringá-Paraná and Sabáudia-Paraná). The results for grain yield and popping expansion were gathered in a combined analysis. Estimates of general and specific combining ability were obtained according to Griffing’s methodology (1956), adapted by Geraldi and Miranda Filho (1988). The hybrid Jade was considered the most appropriate tester because it discriminated the evaluated families well for both grain yield and popping expansion according to Fasoulas index of differentiation. Families F4, F7, F16 and F31 are the most promising due to their high general combining ability for both traits as well their performance regardless of the effect of locations.