To identify single crosses hybrids of supersweet maize of high seed germination in 1996/97, 45 single crosses and 10 inbred lines were evaluated (S4), from a complete diallel cross, at Pesqueira and Vitória de Santo Antão, Brazil. A lattice 7 x 8 design was used with two replications, per each location. The general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability effects were estimated for the trait stand. In the combined analysis of variance, lines, hybrids and both GCA and SCA effects were significant (P<0.01). The interactions of GCA and SCA (P<0.01) were significant with the locations. For the individual analysis, the mean squares estimates for lines, hybrids, GCA and SCA were also significant (P<0.01). The relative magnitude of GCA and SCA mean squares indicated predominance of additive gene effects. The average mean seed germination were of 40.4% and 56.5% at Pesqueira and Vitória de Santo Antão, respectively. The hybrids L3 x L6 and L3 x L7 at Pesqueira and L1 x L10 and L3 x L5 at Vitória de Santo Antão, were the most favorable single crosses of high quality seed having good field emergence potential.
Zea mays L.; inbred line; combining ability; stand; emergence
