Plant and Soil Science

Combining ability of inbred maize lines in breeding for grain quality

Roman Spriazhka, Vitalii Zhemoida, Oleksandr Makarchuk, Yuliia Dmytrenko, Bohdan Lehenkyi
Download article
Abstract

The selection of the initial material (inbred lines) and the assessment of its combining ability are key tasks in developing maize hybrids. This study aimed to select the initial material for the creation of heterotic maize hybrids with enhanced grain quality and yield. The article presented the results of research on eight lines bred by the Genetics, Breeding and Seed Production named after Prof. M.O. Zelensky at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (lines: AK157 and AK159), as well as lines obtained from the National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine (lines: HLG1203, VK19, VK32, AE800, AE746, UHK686, UHK37, CO255, FV243, Q170). Additionally, four tester lines carrying mutant endosperm structure genes were analysed (lines VK13 and VK69 carrying the wx mutant endosperm structure gene, and lines AE801 and AE392 carrying the ae mutant endosperm structure gene). To assess combining ability, crosses were performed using the incomplete topcross method, resulting in 24 experimental hybrids. Field trials were conducted in 2020-2021. The article presented the results of an assessment of the obtained hybrid combinations based on grain quality and yield indicators. The highest protein content during the study years was recorded in the combination VK13 × CO255; the highest starch content in VK13 × UHK686 and VK69 × FV243; the highest oil content in AE801 × AE746 and AE801 × VK19; and the highest yield in VK13 × UHK686 and AE801 × UHK37. The effects of general combining ability, constants, and variances of specific combining ability were determined for protein, starch, and oil content in the grain, as well as for yield. The findings indicated that lines VK19, AE800, CO255, FV243, Q170, VK13, and AE801 exhibited increased protein content in the grain; lines VK19, AE746, UHK686, CO255, VK13, and AE392 showed increased oil content; and lines AK157, UHK37, and AE746 demonstrated superior yield performance. Based on the results, specific inbred lines are recommended for developing maize hybrids with improved grain quality characteristics

Keywords

trait source; heterosis; inbred line; hybrid; topcross; quality indicators

Suggested citation
Spriazhka, R., Zhemoida, V., Makarchuk, O., Dmytrenko, Yu., & Lehenkyi, B. (2024). Combining ability of inbred maize lines in breeding for grain quality. Plant and Soil Science, 15(4), 50-63. https://doi.org/10.31548/plant4.2024.50
References

[1] Alam, M.A., Ahmed, S., Miah, M.A., Jahan, N., Rahman, M.M., & Islam, M.R. (2024). Unveiling hybrid potential and exploring combining ability for yield and related traits in maize (Zea mays L.) through line × tester mating design. Advances in Modern Agriculture, 5(4), article number 3048. doi: 10.24294/ama3048.

[2] Alam, M.A., Rahman, M., Ahmed, S., Jahan, N., Khan, M.A.A., Islam, M.R., Alsuhaibani, A.M., Gaber, A., & Hossain, A. (2022). Genetic variation and genotype by environment interaction for agronomic traits in maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids. Plants, 11(11), article number 1522. doi: 10.3390/plants11111522.

[3] Ali, M., Kuswanto, K., & Kustanto, H. (2019). Phenomenon of inbreeding depression on maize in perspective of the Quran. AGRIVITA Journal of Agricultural Science, 41(2), 385-393. doi: 10.17503/agrivita.v41i2.2022.

[4] Begna, T. (2021). Combining ability and heterosis in plant improvement. Open Journal of Plant Science, 6(1), 108-117. doi: 10.17352/ojps.000043.

[5] BeMiller, J., & Whistler, R. (2009). Starch: Chemistry and technology (3rd ed.). Cambridge, MA: Academic Press.

[6] Convention on Biological Diversity. (1992, June). Retrieved from https://treaties.un.org/doc/treaties/1992/06/19920605%2008-44%20pm/ch_xxvii_08p.pdf.

[7] Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. (1973, June). Retrieved from https://cites.org/eng/disc/text.php.

[8] Dokukina, К., Belinskaya, А., Shelyakin, Т., Buriak, L., & Ilchenko, N. (2021). Grain quality of bread spring wheat hybrid lines – descendants of hybrids of synthetics with the variety Kharkivska 26. Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, 17(3), 58-72. doi: 10.31548/dopovidi2021.03.006.

[9] Gurjar, D., Dubey, R., Kumar, P., & Hazarika, M. (2022). Study on heterosis and combining ability for yield and yield contributing traits in F1 hybrids of maize (Zea mays L.). The Pharma Innovation Journal, 11(2), 1530-1544.

[10] Haydash, O.L. (2016). Assessment of combining ability for grain yield of self-pollinated S5 maize (Zea mays L.) families of mixed germplasm. Plant Varieties Studying and Protection, 1(30), 62-66. doi: 10.21498/2518-1017.1(30).2016.61781.

[11] Karim, A.N.M.S., Ahmed, S., Talukder, Z.A., Alam, M.K., & Billah, M.M. (2022). Combining ability and heterosis study for grain yield and yield contributing traits of maize (Zea mays L.). Bangladesh Journal of Agricultural Research, 47(1), 81-90.

[12] Kustanto, H., & Hendrayana, F. (2023). A study on the specific combining ability in several inbred lines of maize. Planta Tropika, 11(2), 141-149. doi: 10.18196/pt.v11i2.14026.

[13] Kyrychenko, V.B., Gurjeva, I.A., Ryabchoun, V.K., Kuzmyshyna, N.V., Vakulenko, S.N., & Stepanova, V.P. (2009). Descriptor reference book for the Zea mays L. species. Kharkiv: Vydavnytstvo Kharkiv.

[14] Long, Y., Zeng, Y., Liu, X., & Yang, Y. (2024). Multivariate analysis of grain yield and main agronomic traits in different maize hybrids grown in mountainous areas. Agriculture, 14(10), article number 1703. doi: 10.3390/agriculture14101703.

[15] Makarchuk, О., & Zhemoida, V. (2009). The peculiarities of utilizing testers different genetical structure for breeding precocious corn hybrids (Zea mays L.). Plant Varieties Studying and Protection, 1(9), 62-71. doi: 10.21498/2518-1017.1(9).2009.66284.

[16] Matin, M.Q.I., Rasul, M.G., Islam, A.K.M.A., Mian, M.A.K., Ivy, N.A., & Ahmed, J.U. (2017). Combining ability and heterosis in maize (Zea mays L.). American Journal of BioScience, 4(6), 84-90. doi: 10.11648/j.ajbio.20160406.12.

[17] Meteopost. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://meteopost.com/.

[18] Mingramm, G.Y., Mohd, K.S., Khandaker, M.M., Chua, K.A., & Fatihah, H.N.N. (2024). Combining ability for grain yield and nutritional quality of maize grown in Malaysia: A review. SABRAO Journal of Breeding & Genetics, 56(2), 534-546. doi: 10.54910/sabrao2024.56.2.7.

[19] Mogesse, W., Zelleke, H., & Nigussie, M. (2020). General and specific combing ability of maize (Zea mays L.) inbred line for grain yield and yield related traits using 8×8 diallel crosses. American Journal of BioScience, 8(3), 45-56. doi: 10.11648/j.ajbio.20200803.11.

[20] Murtadha, M.A., Ariyo, O.J., & Alghamdi, S.S. (2018). Analysis of combining ability over environments in diallel crosses of maize (Zea mays). Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences, 17(1), 69-78. doi: 10.1016/j.jssas.2016.01.004.

[21] Oluwaseun, O., Badu-Apraku, B., Adebayo, M., & Abubakar, A.M. (2022). Combining ability and performance of extra-early maturing provitamin a maize inbreds and derived hybrids in multiple environments. Plants, 11(7), article number 964. doi: 10.3390/plants11070964.

[22] Ridey, N.M., Tonkha, O.L., Strokal, V.P., Shofolov, D.L., & Horbatenko, A.A. (2009). Comprehensive agroecological assessment of lands of the NULES of Ukraine. Part 2: Agronomic research station. Kherson: Oldi-plus.

[23] Shah, L., Rahman, H.U., Ali, A., Bazai, N.A., & Tahir, M. (2015). Combining ability estimates from line x tester mating design in maize (Zea mays L.). Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research, 3(4), 71-75. doi: 10.14662/ARJASR2015.006.

[24] Sprague, G.F., & Tatum, L.A. (1942). General vs specific combining ability in single crosses of corn. Agronomy, 34(10), 923-932. doi: 10.2134/agronj1942.00021962003400100008x.

[25] Spriazhka, R.O., Zhemoida, V.L., Makarchuk, O.S., Dmytrenko, Y.M., & Bahatchenko, V.V. (2022). Selection value of initial material according to the main biochemical parameters of grain in new maize hybrids creation. Agronomy Research, 20(1), 1151-1162. doi: 10.15159/AR.22.037.

[26] Sych, Z.D., Zhemoida, V.L., & Sydorka I.V. (2004). Study of combining ability in the selection of heterotic hybrids by the method of incomplete topcrosses: Methodological instructions. Kyiv: NAU.

[27] Tkachyk, S.O. (2016). Methods of qualification examination of plant varieties for suitability for distribution in Ukraine. Methods for determining the quality of crop products. Vinnytsia: D.Yu. Korzun.

[28] Tymchuk, D.S., Potapenko, G.S., & Tymchuk, N.F. (2020). Genetic diversity of maize and modern approaches to its systematization. Biodiversity, Ecology and Experimental Biology, 21, 46-54. doi: 10.34142/2708-583X.2019.21.06.

[29] Vasal, S.K. (1998). Hybrid maize technology: Challenges and expanding possibilities for research in the next century. In S.K. Vasal, C.F. Gonzalez & F. Xingming (Eds.), Proceedings of 7th Asian regional maize workshop (pp. 58-62). Philippines, Los Baños: Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research and Development.

[30] Yu, X., Yu, H., Zhang, J., Shao, S., Xiong, F., & Wang, Z. (2015). Endosperm structure and physicochemical properties of starches from normal, waxy, and super-sweet maize. International Journal of Food Properties, 18(12), 2825-2839. doi: 10.1080/10942912.2015.1015732.