In maize, variations on agronomic performance in distinct environments are common and more evident for one-way hybrids. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of new one-way popcorn hybrids developed by the Breeding Program of the State University of Maringá, in northwestern Paraná. The characteristics evaluated were: grain yield, popping expansion, plant height, ear height and the intensity of Southern rust (Puccinia polysora), Northern leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum), and phaeosphaeria leaf spot (Phaeosphaeria maydis/Pantoea ananas). The assay was carried out into randomized block design with three replications in Maringá, state of Paraná, Brazil, during the 2006/2007 cropping season. The treatments were 27 simple popcorn hybrids obtained from S5 endogamic inbreds and commercial cultivars BRS Angela, IAC 112 and Jade. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were verified among hybrids for all characteristics. The hybrid from C and K inbreds presented better indexes for grain yield and popping expansion; and was susceptible to Southern rust. About diseases, the hybrids from the L, H and K inbreds showed greater resistance levels to Southern rust, and hybrids from G inbred had better Northern leaf blight resistance. Hybrids from L and M inbreds showed better phaeosphaeria leaf spot resistance.
Zea mays L.; grain yield; popping expansion; leaf diseases
