Progress in maize breeding in Acre, southwestern Brazilian Amazon state

Abstract

Genetic progress refers to the advances observed in traits of interest during breeding to estimate the technological advances of genotypes over the years. The objective was to estimate the genetic progress and quantify the efficiency of the corn breeding program conducted by Embrapa Acre over a four-year period. The tests were carried out at Embrapa Acre in a 5x6 rectangular lattice with two replications. Grain yield data for the years 2013-2014 were used; 2014-2015; 2015-2016; 2017-2018. The number and average of genotypes included, maintained and excluded in each year were used. The percentage of renewal (%R) and the balance of genetic and environmental gain in the four years of evaluation were determined. There was a renewal of 50% in year two, 25% in year three and 62.8% in year four, indicating dynamism in the breeding program, indicative of the contribution of the breeding program in releasing new varieties. The genetic progress was 7.78% and the average Productivity 2,585.044 kg.ha-². The conduction of Embrapa Acre's corn improvement program between 2013 and 2018 was efficient in the selection and elimination of superior and inferior genotypes for grain yield.