The objective of this work was to evaluate the heterotic potential of 14 popcorn populations through topcrosses. In the 1997/1998 crop year, topcrosses hybrids were obtained as a result of crosses between the populations and the tester, which was composed of an equal mixture of seeds from all 14 populations. The populations and the hybrids were evaluated in field, in a randomized block design, with three replications. The estimates for genetic parameters and the topcrosses variance analyses were made. Based on the results of yield and popping expansion of the experiments, the following populations were selected for the syntheses of composite: UEL SI, UEL PAP, UEL ZP, UEL PP, CMS 43 and RS 20. This broad composite is the most promising for use as base populations in breeding programs.
Zea mays everta; popping expansion; heterosis; general combining ability
