Analysis of Combining Ability and Heterotic Groups Among Mid-maturation Maize Inbred Lines in Xinjiang

In order to analyze the combining ability of different agronomic characters and heterotic groups in mid-maturation maize inbred lines,five lines including B73,MO17,Huangzaosi,Dan340 and Qi319were used as testers to measure the combining ability and heterotic groups of 13newly developed maize inbred lines in xinjiang by NCⅡdesign.The results indicated that 18inbred lines were classified into 5heterotic groups,Lancaster group(including MO17and TS31),Reid group(B73,L4-6and X1),Sipingtou group(Huangzao4,8504,108Fand B2),PB group(Qi319,W313and L4-10)and Lvda Red Cob group(Dan340,Q3012,L4-89,L4-20,X3and B1).The lines of TS31,108F,L4-89 and L4-10had higher general combining ability(GCA)of yield per plant,and could be used as excellent parents in hybrid breeding.Thirteen of 65cross combinations have higher heterosis than that of other combinations for yield per plant,which indicates that the heterosis of the cross combination between SS group and NSS group is stronger than any others.Generally,the parents of the strong heterosis cross have a higher general combining ability(GCA),and yield components are complementary.