Abstract
To assess the genetic potential of white corn for corn grits, 28 hybrids resulting from diallel crosses of eight parents, including parents and S1 generations, were evaluated. The combining abilities and levels of heterosis and inbreeding depression were estimated. The parents used were the main white maize hybrids of the Brazilian germplasm. The combinations HT 9332 x HT 392, IAC Nelore x HT 9332, IAC Nelore x HT 932, and IPR 119 x IAC Nelore are promising for reciprocal recurrent selection programs targeting higher grain yield. Hybrid IPR 127 was indicated as a source of industrial lines with favorable traits for dry-rolled corn production. Hybrid IAC Nelore had the lowest estimate of inbreeding depression and was recommended for the breeding of lines and participation in higher-yielding hybrids and composites.
Key words:
Zea mays L.; heterosis; grit production
for grit yield (GY), small grit yield (SY), bran yield (BY) and grain yield data (YD) and the varietal heterosis effect 
for grain yield (YD), and the general combining ability (
) for the traits SY and YD
for the genotypes used in diallel crosses, in each growing season, for grit yield (GY) and small grit yield (SY), and the mean of both growing seasons for bran yield (BY) and grain yield (YD)
