Long-term selection for length of weevil and its influence on morphological indexes of primary root system of corn (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The purpose. To determine link of long-term selection on length of weevils with changes in morphological characters of primary root system of lines of corn. Methods. Field: disruptive takeoff. Laboratory: sprouting seeds in Petri dishes within 6 days. Methods of analysis of variance. Results. After 10-years directed selection they created lines of corn with length of weevils on 40–60% more than at lines-analogues, which were not exposed to such takeoff. It is proved that essential increase of length of a weevil results in substantial growth of morphological characters of primary root system of corn. Deep differentiation of lines on rates of change of their morphological indexes in reply to increase of length of a weevil is determined. A supposition is made about influence of increase of length of a weevil and morphological characters of primary root system on adaptive ability and drought resistance of corn in after-germination period. Conclusions. It is proved that increase of length of a weevil of corn by selection results in essential raise of values of morphological characters of primary root system. It is supposed that it can call significant improvement of autoadaptivity and drought resistance of corn in after-germination period.