GENETIC-CONTROL OF KERNEL MODIFICATION FOUND IN SOUTH-AFRICAN QUALITYPROTEIN MAIZE INBRED LINES

The genetic control of endosperm modification in 12 opaque-2 maize (Ze a mays L.) inbred lines was investigated by means of a diallel cross e xperiment conducted across two environments. Kernel vitreousness and k ernel hardness were determined by partially dominant genes. Additive g ene action was largely responsible for kernel modification. A favourab le general combining ability for kernel vitreousness and kernel hardne ss was positively correlated with an accumulation of dominant kernel m odifying genes. South African sources of endosperm modifiers have been found to be similar to those used in other quality protein maize bree ding programmes. Certain inbred lines displayed sufficient genetic pot ential for use in a quality protein maize hybrid breeding programme.