Estimation of variance components in the maize cultivar Centralmex

Abstract

Utilizing data of seed production form four mating schemes in maize (Zea meys L.) cv. Centralmex, the additive genetic variance (σ²_A), dominant genetic variance (σ²_D), phenotypic variance (σ²_F), σ²_D/σ²_A relation and inbreeding depression were estimated. Estimates were σ²_A = 3.3494 x 10^-4 (kg/plant), σ²_D = 0.6033 x 10^-4 (kg/plant), σ²_D/ σ²_A = 0.180 and inbreeding depression of 39.5%. Possible bias of estimates, might be due to selection for prolific plants, inbreeding depression, restriction to allele frequency and error associated to variance components estimates observed in this work.