Programs to obtain hybrids, should emphasize cultivars with great dry matter yield, silage digestibility and the variation among cultivars in relation to these characteristics. The objective of this work was to evaluate genetic variability of maize lines for characteristics related to silage yield. Thirty-six lines were sown in two periods, November and December, in a simple 6x6 lattice design. Plants were harvested at the hard-farinose grain stage and insiled for 100 days. Dry matter yield and in situ dry matter degradability in silage incubation periods of 24 and 96 hours and percent of fiber in neutral detergent were assessed. There was genetic variability for the traits related to yield and silage quality. The line performance for dry matter degradability and fiber in neutral detergent was similar between sowing periods. The heritability estimated on the mean of the two sowing periods for dry matter degradability was greater than 80% showing the possibility of success in the selection process. The high correlation between incubation periods indicated the possibility of assessing dry matter degradability in 24 hours, offering greater efficiency and speed.
Zea mays; in situ degradability; heritability; correlation
