Abstract:

In order to screen out the maize varieties suitable for production, demonstration and promotion in Hunan area, the growth period, field resistance and yield traits of five varieties, including ‘Xiangnong Yu No. 36’, ‘Xiangnong Yu No. 40’, ‘Xiangnong Yu No. 42’, ‘Xiangnong Yu Liangyou No. 1’ and ‘Xiangnong Yu Liangyou No. 2’, were investigated and analyzed in this experiment. The optimal varieties were screened out, which laid the foundation for the next regional experiment. Through the correlation analysis of agronomic traits and yield, significant factors affecting yield were obtained. The test results showed that the growth period of all varieties was between 107-110 d. The incidence of diseases and pests in ‘Xiangnongyu No. 36’ was low, with no obvious lodging. The yield was 9.9 t/hm², and 51% higher than that of the control variety, which was the highest among the tested varieties. It was considered as the optimal variety after comprehensive analysis, which could be used for the next regional test. In the correlation analysis between agronomic traits and yield, the factors affecting yield were sorted from strong to weak: panicle length> 100-grain weight> high-panicle position, among which panicle length was extremely positively correlated with yield, 100-grain weight was significantly positively correlated with yield, and panicle row number had a weak negative correlation with yield. Therefore, in the process of breeding new maize varieties, varieties with long panicle length, high 100-grain weight and low panicle row number should be comprehensively selected.

Key words: corn, variety, screening, yield, disease resistance