A diallel set of crosses among nine varieties of popcorn (Zea mays L.) - UNB-2, RS-20, UEM-J1, UEM-M2, CMS 42, CMS 43, Viçosa, Beija-flor and advanced generation of hybrid three-way Zélia) and their hybrid combinations was carried out to obtain capacity hability and heterosis estimates. These varieties and F1's were evaluated in two crop years (98/99 and 99/00) with three replications each year in Iguatemi, State of Paraná, Brazil. The results allowed the synthesis of composts based in varieties of high combining ability for yield, like UNB-2 and CMS-42 and the varieties Zélia, RS-20 e UEM-M2 to popping expansion. The varieties Beija-flor and RS-20 were recommend to be used in a reciprocal recurrent selection program. For popping expansion there are positive and negative heterosis, indicating non unidericional dominance.
Zea mays L.; composites; diallel crosses; yield; popping expansion
