Linking Prebreeding for Local Germplasm Improvement with Cultivar Development in Maize Breeding for Short-Season (85-95 RM) Hybrids

ND2001 (Reg. No. PL-356, PI 650881), ND2002 (Reg. No. PL-357, PI 650882), ND2003 (Reg. No. PL-358, PI 650883), and ND2004 (Reg. No. PL-359, PI 650884) are four new yellow-dent maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines that were developed for use as parents for 85 to 95 relative maturity (RM) hybrids by the North Dakota State University (NDSU) maize breeding program and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station in February 2007. ND2001 originated from the improved breeding population NDSG(M)C19. NDSG(M)C19 derived from landrace Minnesota #13. ND2002, ND2003, and ND2004 derived from improved populations NDSM(M)C7, NDSCD(M)C10, and NDSCD(M)C8, respectively. These early-maturing lines were identified through pedigree selection including several years of early- and late-generation hybrid testing across 27 to 34 environments. ND2001 produced hybrids with above-average lodging resistance and yield. ND2002 hybrids had one of the highest average performances in grain yield. ND2003 had one of the best specific combining ability for grain yield. ND2004 hybrids had excellent lodging resistance and above-average grain yield. ND2001 combines best with LH82-derived testers. ND2002 combines best with lodent and LH82-derived testers. ND2003 and ND2004 combine well across testers representing different heterotic groups (including B14-derived testers).