Evaluation of Seventeen Exotic Popcorn Hybrids in Comparison with Local Variety ( Shammia Bibil ) under the Condition of Middle Region of Iraq

Abstract

Abstract :A field trial for exotic and local popcorn (Zea mays L. everta) varieties was carried out during fall season at Al-Tuwaitha (T) and Al- Latyfia (L) Experimental Stations, Agricultural Research Directorate. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of exotic hybrids of Popcorn, in comparison with local Shammia Babil variety, so as to identify the exceeded one that may introduce in expanded program of yield trials. Results revealed the superiority of the overall exotic hybrids in grain yield per plant except the Robust 41-10 at (T) and (L) Experimental Stations and A3004, 33103, 33101, 9330 and 12164 hybrids at (L) experimental station. The local Shammia Babil variety gave 30.2 and 38.8 g/ plant of grain yield at the two locations, respectively. No significant effect on popping expansion was observed at (T) Experimental Station, while high significant differences were observed at (L) Experimental Station for popping expansion. This result may reflect the genetic deterioration for the local variety. Pooled analysis revealed the superiority of 10 hybrids in yield, popping expansion and other agronomic characters, that may included in expanded yield trials. Key words: Popcorn (Zea mays L. everta), exotic hybrids, local variety, grain yield and popping expansion.