Abstract

This study represents the first attempt to characterize genetic variability in an autotetraploid maize population. Estimates of additive and digenic genetic variance were obtained from a sib analysis in autotetraploid maize (Zea mays L.), Synthetic B. Estimates of additive genetic variance larger than one standard error were obtained for yield, ear length, ears per plant, plant height, and percent oil. Positive estimates of digenic variance larger than one standard error were found only for plant height. The estimate of additive genetic variance for yield is smaller in the autotetraploid, Synthetic B, than is norreally encountered in diploid populations.

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