| arly generation testing is used to develop improved maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds. Even though the expected genetic correlations between testcross performance in different generations is high, non-genetic effects reduce the effectiveness of early-generation testing. This experiment was conducted to determine the usefulness of molecular marker information to enhance the predictability of early generation testing.;From the maize population by inbred cross, BS11(FR)C7 x FRMO17, 190 random families represented in the ;The phenotypic correlations between a family's testcross performance in the two generations ranged from 0.36 for grain yield and percent root lodging to 0.65 for grain moisture. Genetic correlations for all traits except test weight were similar to the expected genetic correlation. The correlations between marker effects estimated from the ;For grain yield, grain moisture, and percent stalk lodging, significant genotype x environment interaction was detected. At the molecular level, significant marker x environment interaction was detected for all three traits. Marker loci with consistent expression of the marker associated effect across environments and marker loci with inconsistent expression of the marker associated effect across environments were detected.;Five models were evaluated for their ability to predict... |
