Application of Multivariate Analysis to Trait Selection in Inbreed Lines of opaque-2 Maize

In order to comprehensively study effect of multiple agronomic characters on yield of inbred line in opaque-2(o2) maize,16 quantitative traits of 13 o2 inbred lines were studied by using analyses of principal component,stepwise regression and genetic correlation.The results showed that the traits of ear rows,thousand kernel weight,ear height,ear diameter and leaf length over ear had larger contribution to the genetic component;the genotypic values of kernel length,ear height,leaf length over ear and ear weight had larger effect on the total genetic variation;based on the correlation among characters,selections of kernel length,ear length,ear rows,ear diameter,ear height and leaf length over ear displayed relatively well effect,and were conducive to gain diverse o2 lines;and breeding of kernel length and ear length were mainly to improve ear characters and grain yield of inbred lines.Therefore,character selection should emphasize on the kernel length,ear length,ear rows,ear diameter,ear height and leaf length over ear and the selection of kernel length is more important than that of 1000-kernel weight in inbred breeding of o2maize.