The modified recurrent selection method suggests a less productive population to test the other population more productive
and itself aiming to have more genetic gains than tradition recurrent selection method that uses one population to test the
other one. The objectives of this work were to estimate the genetic components, to predict and to evaluate the genetic gains
of the SynFlint and Syndent populations of maize (
Zea mays
L.), applying a modified recurrent selection method. Two
recombination cycles were carried out, with 144 S
1 progeny per cycle. These progenies were test crossed with SynFlint,
generating a SynFlint × Syndent inter-population and a SynFlint × SynFlint intra-population. The progenies were evaluated
in five environments in the first cycle of selection and in three in the second cycle of selection, in a 12 × 12 lattice. Genetic
variability in plant height and ear height, ear weight and prolificacy was observed in the first cycle of selection and in
plant height and ear height in the second cycle. The intensity of selection practiced in the first cycle exhausted the genetic
variability in ear weight and prolificacy. It can conclude that the two maize populations evaluated do not show adequate
levels of genetic variability and predicted genetics gains estimates to allow their use in breeding programs to obtain lines
and superior hybrids; and the modified recurrent selection method is inefficient to increase in population performance
per
se for the two populations.
