GENETIC PURITY AND DIVERSITY ASSESSMENT OF PARENTAL CORN INBRED LINES USING SSR MARKERS FOR PHILIPPINE HYBRID BREEDING

Accurate data and relevant insights on parental corn inbred lines' hybrids’ genetic purity diversity are essential for hybrid development seed production. Here, the of 19 yellow lines were assessed using SSR markers. A total 91 markers utilized, which 61 highly polymorphic had high polymorphism information content value (PIC = 0.379). Genetic parameters calculated from generated marker data. Observed pairwise distances ranging 0.257 to 0.808 implied dissimilarities among accessions. Cluster analysis separated into three distinct subclusters, can potentially be a basis generating heterotic groupings lines. Eight (8) out showed considerable residual heterozygosity ≤10%. Inbred line CML 431 displayed complete homozygosity across all that have >15% need purification through further breeding selection. Out resultant F1 hybrids analyzed, only four (4) impurity It may attributed intrinsic 452 (21.67%). In contrast, two genetically pure parents (e.g., 575) low no off-types. Overall, determination promising valuable future programs in Philippines.