BibTECHNOLOGICAL AND GEN)ETICAL STUDIES ON MAIZE

Abstract

This investigation was conducted in the Laboratory of Genetics Department, Faculty of Agriculture Kafr El-Sheikh and the Farm of Sakha Agriculture Research Station, Maize section, at the period of 1997-2001. The aim of this study was to determine the relative importance of GCA, SCA and reciprocal effects which control culturability traits in complete diallelmating of five different inbred lines (Sd-7, Sd-63, Sk-132, G-612 and G-628) to salt tolerance via immature embryo culture technique in maize.•Moreover to estimate heterotic effect, combining abilities and mode of gene action for callus growth traits and other in vivo characters in the same full diallel cross. Furthermore, to study the phenotypic correlation between callus growth traits in vitro and other main in vivo characters to evaluate the possibility of utilizing the immature embryo culture technique as a quick procedure for predicting heterosis and combining ability at early stages in the lab. for saving much efforts, time and costs to the maize breeder.