Two sweet-corn (su-1 mutant and common-corn) hybrids, as well as the respective parentals and donators, summing up 11 genetic materials, were evaluated in two environments, in Itaocara and Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The sweet-corn hybrids were obtained by simple crosses between sweet-corn parentals carrying the gene su-1, transferred by backcross. Heterosis, the genotypic determination coefficient and morphoagronomic traits were evaluated. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with two replications in each environment. Four-row plots, 5-m long, were used. The two sweet-corn hybrids overcame their parentals and donators. Comparison between sweet- and common-corn hybrids showed no significant differences. Heterosis was detected in almost all traits, as for example, yield of ears without straw and percent of ears damaged by pests, as well as significant genotypic influence, revealed by the genotypic determination coefficient.
Zea mays L.; breeding; morphoagronomic traits; hybrid; backcross
