cluster analysis

Distribution corn medium early maturity group for agronomic characteristics

Purpose. The aim of the research was to estimate corn hybrids in terms of the main agronomic characteristics, such as protein content and starch yield. Methods. Field trials, laboratory tests, and cluster analysis. Results. It was found that the hybrids under investigation had differences in morphology, including the form of leaf plate, the size, and shape of corncob, shape of grain and number of grain rows. The best hybrid in terms of yield in the Steppe zone proved to be ‘HS 2632’, which had a high protein content of 9.60 %. In Polissia zone, the best hybrid for yield and starch content was ‘Zdobutok’ with the yield of 11.38 t/ha and starch content of 76.35%, which significantly exceeded the values of the characteristics in the Steppe zone, as well as in other hybrids in the area. Two hybrids, which had high yields in Polissia zone (9.83 and 9.85 t/ha) were defined, namely ‘Svitoch 38’ and ‘Danubio’, with the last one characterized by a high protein content (9.40%) and the lowest value of the starch content (73.25%). It was determined that the closest in terms of the characteristics under study hybrids entered the same cluster. This distribution was caused by the peculiarities of inheritance of agronomic characteristics of crops. Conclusion. Based on these studies, four clusters of corn hybrids were determined in terms of a complex of agronomic characteristics as follows: ‘SI Tiptop’ and the ‘NS 2632’, ‘SI Arios’ and ‘Zdobutok’, ‘Enigma’ and ‘SI Аmplitude’, ‘MAC 24H’ and ‘Danubio’. It is recommended to grow different hybrids on a farm because they realize their genetic potential based on environment, which allows reducing the effects of unfavorable factors.