Variabilité enzymatique chez le maïs

Abstract

Isozymes of eight enzymatic systems were determined in 22 maize landraces from Latin America, 27 from Africa, and 1 composite, and were analyzed by multivariate analysis. Efficiency of hybridization in producing the composite was evaluated with enzymatic markers. The composite closely resembled the Mali ecotypes from which 60% of its genetic constitution was derived. Prediction of heterosis in yield as related to enzymatic differences in parents of a hybrid is discussed.Key words: Zea mays L., Latin America, enzyme variability, multivariate analysis, heterosis.