Selection of elite purple waxy corn hybrids by MGIDI multivariate selection method in Vietnam

Abstract

This study aims to select the elite purple waxy corn hybrids by Vietnam by multivariable selection method
by multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) based on growth, yield, and quality traits for
purple waxy corn varieties commercialisation in the North of Vietnam. The field experiment was arranged in
a randomised complete block design with 3 replications and evaluated 25 crosses with two check varieties in the Spring and Winter season of 2021 in Hanoi. The results of the selection of purple waxy corn hybrids by MGIDI in the Spring and Winter 2021 season identified the two most promising hybrid combination having the MGIDI index with a commercial potential as THL01 (D161 x FP1, named VNUA261, MGIDI=1.449 in the Spring
season and 1.869 in Winter season), and THL02 (Q2151 x FP1, named VNUA191, MGIDI=1.218 in Spring season
and 0.404 in Winter season). The fresh corn harvest time of VNUA261 and VNUA191 ranged from 70-75 days and
66-73 days, respectively. Fresh corn yield of VNUA261 and VNUA191 reached 12.51-13.85 tons/ha and 12.24-13.56 tons/ha, respectively. Corn has good eating quality, thin pericarp (≤60 µm), and high anthocyanin content, in which VNUA261 reached 112.93-124.07 mg/100 g dry seed, VNUA191 reached 100.33-119.57 mg/100 g dry seed.