Evaluation of double hybrid populations in some agronomic and quality characteristics in popcorn (Zea mays everta)

This research was carried out to evaluate some agromorphological and quality characteristics of 256 maize S1 lines obtained from six double-crossed popcorn populations (KoçcinxBulut, ElacinxBulut, BaharcinxR997, R997xKoçcin, R997xBulut, BaharcinxSH2662) inbred in 2021, in the main crop maize growing season in 2022. It was carried out in two replications according to the alpha lattice experimental design in Çukurova University Faculty of Agriculture, Field Crops Department Research and Application Area. According to the results significant differences were obtained between the popcorn lines for the tassel and silk emergence time, plant height, first ear height, ear length, ear diameter, number of rows per ear, number of grains per ear, single ear weight, kernel yield per ear, hectoliter weight, moisture content, thousand grain weight, popping volume, unpopping grain ratio, protein, starch and oil were significant but not significant for stalk thickness and number of grains in the row. The highest grain yield was obtained from the 25 numbered S1 line of R997xKoçcin population with 92.5 g, and the lowest grain yield was obtained from line 31 of KoçcinxBulut population with 25.1 g. The highest popping volume was obtained from line 7 of BaharcinxR997 population with 34.0 cm3/g, and the lowest popping volume was obtained from line 21 numbered line of R997xBulut population with 18.3 cm3/g. According to the results, it was concluded that R997xKoçcin and BaharcinxR997 populations were found superior for grain yield and popping characteristics respectively.