Abstract: Analysis on the seed germination and seedling characters of 16 different genetypes showed that:(1)All characters for S 22 (dark),S 22 (middle) and the self bred F 2 ,S 3 and backcrosses were poor and they had low transformation percentage of stored substance from embryoes to shoot or root.S 22 (light) had as high germination percentage as 478,but its germination speed was low.(2) The germination and seedling characters for the single crosses made from S 22 with 478 or 489 improved significantly, and those of the progenies decreased with the reduction of heterosis.(3)It seemed that all characters were related with S 22 seed colours and affected by female’s cytogenes.(4) The seed germination and seedling characters of S 22 could be improved by special selection from single cross progenies.

Key words: Maize inbred, Seed germination percentage, Seedling characters

CLC Number: 

• S513