SOLUBLE SOLIDS CONTENT IN THE STALK OF MAIZE (ZEA-MAYS L) LINES AND HYBRIDS

The present interest for sugar rich crops as potential energy sources, adds new reasons to explore the variability for soluble sugars conten t in stalk of maize genotypes (Zea mays L.). Materials of different or igin and genetic structure (standard inbreds, experimental inbreds, li nes under selection, commercial and experimental hybrids) were sampled for assessing soluble solids in juice squeezed from the stalk segment matching first internode above the main ear, at dough kernel stage (4 5 days after silking). Assuming refractometer reading (percent Brix) a s a good estimate of sugar level, a total of 218 entries was evaluated , evidencing a high variability (from 5 to 16% Brix) likely useful for breeding programs. Correlation coefficient demonstrated the absence o f strong negative relationships between Soluble solids content and rel evant yield components.