Current trends in maize breeding at Maize Research Institute “Zemun Polje”

Abstract

Maize breeding program at the Maize Research Institute "Zemun Polje" begun during the fifties of the last century and it was based on the principles of inbreeding hybridization. During the sixties, first maize hybrids were registered and each subsequent decade a new generation of hybrids was created. So far, more than 800 maize hybrids have been registered in Serbia and more than 170 hybrids abroad. Testing program includes field evaluations of experimental hybrids in a large number of locations in Serbia, paying attention to the correct choice of environments. Each season 5000-7000 new hybrid combinations have been tested in Serbia. Additionally, the most promising hybrids of different maturity groups are being tested at more than 20 locations abroad, with the aim of selecting the best hybrids for each foreign market. In order to accelerate breeding procedure, service of winter generation in Chile is used, with the aim of obtaining two generations during one calendar year. Since 2014, the application of double haploid technology in maize breeding has started. So far, 13000 double haploid lines have been created from 350 original populations. Optimization of each step in the methodology towards the higher efficiency is the main task for breeders: higher induction rate, higher duplication rate, better agronomic traits of inducers. This year the first hybrid containing a double haploid line has been registered. In addition, several hybrids developed using this method are in registration procedure. Application of molecular markers represents an essential part of modern breeding programs. Use of SNP markers became a routine tool in breeding program of Maize Research Institute. In the last few years, 400 most elite ZP maize inbred lines were characterized using this type of markers. In addition to the creation of hybrids with standard grain quality, breeding program of specific maize hybrids exists and it includes breeding for hybrids with white endosperm, sweet maize and popcorn. Breeding for herbicide tolerance resulted in registration of several cycloxidim tolerant hybrids during last decade. Also, several hybrids with red grain color, 46 which are characterized by higher anthocyanin content, have been registered so far. Recent innovation in maize breeding program is implementation of cloud-based software platform, which will enable better data collection and management, creation of new experiements and improved statistical analysis.