ANNUAL REPORT
Richard Pratt
Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science
The Ohio State University
Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center
Wooster, OH
GEM Cooperator Annual Meetings
Dec. 2002
Chicago, IL
Release of GEMS-002
Maize Germplasm Line
Breeding
Test Cross Data Summary
Inbred Characterization
Recommendations
Breeding followed GEM protocol
Breeding 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 OH
Select lines in IA and OH > S2 winter nursery
testcross to nSS tester LH185
In 1999: 11 one-replicate tests at 10 locations in IA,
IL, IN, and OH
In 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
White
____________ ____________________ _______
Maturity
Approx. 7 days << B73
Kernel Traits of GEMS-0002
100 Wt.
Color
Avg. 12.5 (10-16)
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.