HIBRIDACION INTERESPECIFICA EN EL MAIZ (Zea mays L)

Abstract

Three genus of Maydeae (Tripsaceae) are found in America: Zea, Euchlaena and Tripsacum. These groups have been extensively studied in regards to the problem of maize origin.
Tripsacum does not cross in nature with corn and the artificial hybrids obtained show low fertility. Nevertheless there are evidences which indicate that hight yielding hybrids can be obtained by means of introgressive hybri-dization with Tripsacum.
Corn teosinte hybrids are completely fertile. Teosinte could be used as a source of germplasm for the improvement of corn inbreds. The success of this improvement would depend upon (a) the corn inbred to be used for breeding, (b) the variety of teosinte selected as a source of new germplasm, and (c) the proportion of teosinte genotype to be introduced in the corn inbred.