THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE HAPLOIDY METHOD IN CORN BREEDING
Abstract
Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of the doubled haploid (DH) method in maize heterosis breeding, to investigate the features of developing, selecting, and testing new breeding material, and to identify promising approaches for accelerating the development of high-yielding hybrids adapted to the environmental conditions of Ukraine. Methods. The research was conducted during 2022–2025 at the experimental station of the State Institution Institute of Grain Crops of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. Field experiments were carried out using standard agronomic and breeding methodologies with three replications. The study involved doubled haploid lines and maize hybrids of different maturity groups developed with their participation. The breeding material was evaluated for morphological traits, grain yield, combining ability, and grain moisture at harvest. Statistical analyses were performed using methods of variation statistics and Microsoft Excel software. Results. The study demonstrated that the doubled haploid method has become one of the principal approaches for developing source breeding material within the breeding program. The proportion of hybrids developed using doubled haploid lines in competitive variety trials ranged from 8.7% to 10.9%. The highest proportion was observed in the mid-maturity group, whereas the early-maturity group showed a steady increase due to the incorporation of new breeding material from mixed germplasm. On average, hybrids developed from doubled haploid lines yielded 0.08–0.29 t ha⁻¹ less than the overall trial mean, primarily because of the insufficient preliminary evaluation of newly developed breeding material. At the same time, several hybrids significantly outperformed the commercial standards in grain yield, particularly under the stressful environmental conditions of 2024, confirming the high breeding potential of individual doubled haploid lines. Conclusions. The doubled haploid method substantially reduces the time required to obtain completely homozygous breeding material and significantly expands the opportunities for maize heterosis breeding. However, its practical efficiency largely depends on improving the comprehensive evaluation system for newly developed lines and optimizing the breeding process. The development of an accelerated methodology for assessing doubled haploid lines will enhance the efficiency of breeding programs and facilitate the creation of competitive, high-yielding maize hybrids.
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