RESULTS OF BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS IN HYBRID MAIZE BREEDING FOR HIGH YIELD, GOOD STRESS TOLERANCE

After 10 years of research and application of biotechnology in breeding maize hybrids, the Maize Research Institute has gained several remarkable achievements. Most notably in developing the doubled haploid (DH) breeding technology, and applying molecular markers to analyse genetic diversity and resistant ability of maize inbred lines. A nursery of DH lines was established for the development of commercial maize hybrids with high yield, good stress tolerance, such as LVN145, LVN146, LVN092, and other commercially desirable traits. A system of molecular markers has been established to effectively analyze genetic diversity, cluster heterotic groups, improve maize materials resistance to Rhizoctonia solani, and evaluate drought tolerance ability. Some new varieties were created using biotechnological techniques that have been applied in cultivation and have partly contributed to improving yield, productivity and production efficiency of maize production.