The combining ability as well as reciprocal effect in diallel of sweet and regular corn genotypes was investigated for six agronomic and industrial characters: plant height, stand, percentage of ears attacked by insects, grain protein content, and average (mean) dehusked ear length and weight. General Combining Ability (<IMG SRC="/img/revistas/hb/v23n1/a26img01.gif">) and Specific Combining Ability (Sij) mean square values were statistically significant when evaluating the following characters: plant height, average (mean) dehusked ear length and weight, and grain protein content, indicating that additive and non-additive genetic effects control these characters. There was no statistical difference regarding mean square effects of average (mean) dehusked ear length and weight characters suggesting the utilization of intra and interpopulational breeding methods. 'Doce 13' and 'Sol da Manhã' are among the most indicated genotypes for breeding programs due to observed trend of <IMG SRC="/img/revistas/hb/v23n1/a26img01.gif">values. Based on specific combining ability estimates, the best hybrid originated from 'Doce 13' and 'Sol da Manhã' crossing.
Zea mays; combining ability; reciprocal effect
