The Effects of Increasing Amounts of F\u3csub\u3e2\u3c/sub\u3e Seed Parent on the Performance of Double Cross Corn Hybrids

Two yellow double cross corn hybrids were used in studying the value of complete detasseling in the production of hybrid seed corn. F1 seed of each hybrid was diluted with various amounts of F2 seed of the female seed parents involved. As an average for the two hybrids used in this study, each 10 per cent increase of F2 mixture was shown to affect a reduction in yield of 2.74 bushels per acre. The increasing percentage of maternal parent F2 had no appreciable effect on ear dropping or stalk lodging, or maturity. Advisor: John H. Lonnquist