A Comparison between Inbred and Hybrid Maize Haploid Inducers

The effectiveness of haploid induction systems is regarded not only for high haploid induction rate (HIR) but also resource savings. Isolation fields are proposed for hybrid induction. However, efficient haploid production depends on inducer traits such as high HIR, abundant pollen production, and tall plants. Seven hybrid inducers and their respective parents were evaluated over three years for HIR, seeds set in cross-pollinations, plant and ear height, tassel size, and tassel branching. Mid-parent heterosis was estimated to quantify how much inducer traits improve in hybrids in comparison to their parents. Heterosis benefits hybrid inducers for plant height, ear height, and tassel size. Two hybrid inducers, BH201/LH82-Ped126 and BH201/LH82-Ped128, are promising for haploid induction in isolation fields. Hybrid inducers offer convenience and resource-effectiveness for haploid induction by means of improving plant vigor without compromising HIR.

Automated summary

The effectiveness of haploid induction systems depends on high haploid induction rate (HIR) and resource savings. An isolation field approach for hybrid induction is proposed. The success of efficient haploid production relies on inducer traits such as high HIR, abundant pollen production, and tall plants. Evaluation of seven hybrid inducers and their respective parents showed that mid-parent heterosis benefited plant height, ear height, and tassel size. Two promising hybrid inducers, BH201/LH82-Ped126 and BH201/LH82-Ped128, were identified for haploid induction in isolation fields. Hybrid inducers offer convenience and resource-effectiveness by improving plant vigor without compromising HIR.