Early generation identification and utilization of potential inbred lines in modified single cross hybrids of maize (Zea mays L.)
The essential pre-requisite for commercial production of single cross maize hybrids is the development of vigorous high yielding inbred parents. A modified form of Forward and Reverse Inbreeding Process (FRIP) [1] was used to develop modified single cross hybrids. This method involves inbreeding using selfing in the early generations followed by plant-to-plant sibbing, early generation testing of lines, deriving sister lines, recombining sister lines and finally using sister line crosses to develop modified single cross hybrids. The improved performance of the inbred lines so derived and also of the experimental hybrids tested at two diverse locations in this study, substantiates the effectiveness of this methodology. Inbred testers were used in test crossing and their utility in hybrid development is discussed.
Publisher Summary The field of kinship appears to have a greater resilience to political and economic forces that change lifestyles and life opportunities. The “modernization” literature stressed the inevitable demise of matrilineality and of extended kinship groupings with the rise of cash-crop economies, occupational diversification, and capitalism. The nuclear conjugal family was accepted as the inevitable outcome of urbanization and industrialization. This chapter examines the case for persistence among the matrilineal Plateau and Gwembe Tonga of southern Zambia, many of whom are living in the cities as wage workers and are dependent on a cash income. Gwembe and Plateau Tonga have not regarded their kinship systems as immutable but have had little need to change formal rules. They have used their kinship systems to obtain their objectives.