Maize breeding makes great strides in southern China
This maize variety exhibition featured 103 maize varieties (combinations) from 55 participating units across 17 provinces (municipalities) nationwide. Multiple field surveys showed that the vast majority of the participating varieties grew and developed normally, with full expression of seedling vigor, disease resistance and yield potential.
In terms of seedling vigor, under conditions of relatively high rainfall and a relatively high groundwater table, 24 of the participating varieties showed strong seedling vigor, 71 varieties showed moderate seedling vigor, and only 8 varieties showed weak seedling vigor.
In terms of lodging resistance, continuous strong winds and heavy rain in mid-August caused lodging in some varieties. According to field survey statistics, a total of 13 varieties lodged, with 3 varieties lodging severely, at lodging rates of 29.6%, 36.3% and 56.9% respectively. The remaining varieties showed good lodging resistance.
In terms of disease resistance, the resistance of rice-field maize in southern China to leaf diseases is crucial. Field surveys of northern leaf blight, southern leaf blight, banded leaf and sheath blight and rust showed that most varieties have strong resistance to northern leaf blight and southern leaf blight, banded leaf and sheath blight occurred generally only mildly, and rust has currently expanded somewhat.
Ma Shuping, deputy director of the Seed Administration Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture, remarked while inspecting the exhibition area: "The south is the kingdom of rice." The south, long known for growing rice, achieved remarkable results in maize breeding this time, with an outstanding performance. Based on the comprehensive trait performance of each participating variety, including seedling vigor, lodging resistance, disease resistance, yield potential and plant type, 10 varieties currently stand out, among which 5 southern maize varieties (Jidan 7, Zhongdan 808, Fudan 4, Zhengda 999, Xiangyu 96) are on the list, occupying half the places; 19 varieties performed relatively well, among which 12 southern maize varieties (Ludan 9088, Huajintian 1, Zhonghe 606, Handan 777, Xinzhongyu 801, Xiannong 202, Jixiang 2188, Jinzhongyu, Kangnongyu 007, Xiangnongyu 24, Jinboshi 1209, Huawan 505) account for more than three-fifths.