Yield response to honeycomb selection in maize

This research evaluated the response to three cycles of mass honeycomb selection based on the grain yields of widely-spaced plants from the F sub(2) generation of a maize (Zea mays) L.) single cross hybrid. Frequency distributions of individual plant yields in the selection plots showed strong positive skewness. A significant linear yield increase of 11.23% per cycle compared to the check was obtained. Correlated responses were the significant reduction in days to mid-silking, increases in ear and plant heights and in prolificacy. The selected population was similar to the original hybrid in days to mid-silking, ear and plant heights, but had significantly more ears per plant.