Hybrid prediction in maize. Genetical effects and environmental variations

This paper proposes a method for predicting the performance of multiple cross hybrids on the basis of single cross information, taking into account the specific interaction of the genotypes with the environment.In the prediction model the genetical constants are those used for combining ability analysis, while genotype-environmental interaction terms are defined as linear regression of the genotypical effects on environmental variables.The model was tested by considering the variations arising from the effects of population density; therefore the method was applied in a situation in which the problem was to select the best hybrid-population density combinations.The results obtained show that the model is suitable to represent phenotypical response across densities.However, the material used was not the most suitable to emphasize the improvement of the predictive power of the function when genotype-environmental parameters are considered.