ANNUAL REPORT

Richard PrattDept. of Horticulture and Crop ScienceThe Ohio State UniversityOhio Agricultural Research and Development CenterWooster, OH

GEM Cooperator Annual Meetings Dec. 2002Chicago, IL

Release of GEMS-002Maize Germplasm Line

BreedingTest Cross Data SummaryInbred CharacterizationRecommendations

Breeding followed GEM protocolBreeding line OSU 43-2 derived from GEM population FS8(A)S:S09 (FS8(A) 50% BSSS related, 21% tropical, 18% southeastern U.S., and 11% diverse Corn Belt (with a high proportion of inbred C103A

Produced S1s (441)Visual Selection, self 2 per line in IA and OHSelect lines in IA and OH > S2 winter nursery testcross to nSS tester LH185In 1999: 11 one-replicate tests at 10 locations in IA, IL, IN, and OHIn 2001: 9 one-replicate tests at 7 locations in IA, IL, and OH (Mo17 and Oh43 related testers)

Testcross Data Summary Demonstrated good combining ability with three non-BSSS testers

Average yield of the testcrosses across 17 locations during two seasons was approx. 95% of the mean of commercial check hybrids

Yields equivalent or higher than checks at sites that experienced drought stress, and below in the high-yield tests of 2001

Moisture content consistently below the average of the check entries (avg. 1.5%) and stalk lodging was approximately equal (avg. 7%)

GEMS-002 Inbred Characterization

Plant Height Avg. 133 cm << B73

Ear Height Avg. 56 cm << B73

Ear Length Avg. 13.2 cm (11 to 15)

Ear Width Avg. 3.8 cm ( 3.5 to 4.4)

Cob Color

____________

Maturity

White

____________________

Approx. 7 days << B73

_______

Kernel Traits of GEMS-0002

100 Wt. Avg. 12.5 (10-16)

Color Yellow to Yellow-Orange

Density Avg. 1.35 g/cc

Protein 2.5 pts. >>B73

Oil Essentially equal B73

Recommendations

GEMS-002 is intended as an early Stiff-Stalk related breeding resource for the improvement and diversification of elite, non-‘Lancaster Sure-Crop’ related inbreds.

The line is unique in that it has a relatively high proportion of tropical germplasm yet is able to impart earliness to hybrids. It has potential as a source of germplasm in breeding programs throughout much of the U.S. Corn Belt.

Suggest introduction into breeding programs by crossing with elite inbreds followed by modified pedigree selection.

Only one cycle of selection has been practiced – there is a need to check disease and insect resistance.

Acknowledgments:

-- Cooperators Linda Pollak and Kevin Montgomery-- In kind support from other GEM cooperators-- Technical staff

USDA/ARS GEM S.C.A. and OARDC provided funding support.