Correlated response in forage yield and quality of the Lancaster variety of maize, through selection in the stalk diameter

Mass selection for increased stalk diameter, with control of both parents, was carried out over five generations in the Lancaster variety of maize. An applied selection intensity of 5% increased the stalk diameter an average of 4% per generation. Overall increases in ear yield (16%), stover yield (3 1%), and total digestible dry matter yield (24%) were also observed in agre ement with positive additive correlations found in previous studies. At the same rime maturity range also increased by 4.3%, height by 10%, and the nu mber of leaves by 13.8% over the selection process. The only significant ch ange in quality-related traits was a 4.3% increase in Neutral Detergent Fib er. Although improvements observed were inferior to those expected given th e results of previous studies in the same variety, we conclude that selecti on for increased stover diameter is an efficient approach for increasing to tal digestible dry matter yield in the Lancaster variety.