1- AGRONOMIC TRATIS IMPROVING POPCOCN BY RECIPROCAL RECURRENT SELECTION ANDEVALUATIONGENERATION

Abstract

This research aim to improve popcorn (Zea mays evarta) by reciprocal recurrent selection and S2- progeny. Using local variety AL- SAFS and Argentina variety AGR -5 . The program breeding was applied in four consecutive season on farm of the Dept. of Crops Sci./College of Agric. / Uni.of Baghdad. During spring season 2013 was obtained 100 top crosses and 100 S1 from each variety . in autumn season the top crosses compared using partial lattice design 10x 10 in two replication in addition planted S1 plants and pollinated to produce S2. Six population formed from each variety three represent reciprocal recurrent selection and another three represent S2- progeny. In spring season 2014 mixed 300 seeds from S1 and S2 – progenies .Random hybridization for the best 30 plants , in the end of this season the population harvested. In autumn season 2014 afield trail was conducted to compared 12 new population with there original varieties in factorial experiment in three plant densities using RCBD design with four replication . Studies male and female flowering plant and ear high and number ear per plant. Therese significant differences in all traits . The genotypes 6 &12 from S2 progeny gave lowest male and female flowering days (60.70 &63.20 )&( 63.50 & 66.00 )respectively and lowest plant and ear high cm (175.04&170.70) &(89.20 & 85.98).The genotype 8 revealed high response to reciprocal recurrent selection to reduce male flowering day (63.00). The genotypes 3 &8 revealed highest number ear per plant (1.85 & 1.93). The result exhibit significant intraction between densities and genotype for only male and female traits .All traits exhibit high broad senses heritability coupled with high genetic advance that indicated additive gen action provides scope for improvement this traits through selection.