Diallel cross analysis in Maize

The knowledge about genetic relation between crosses is extremely important for plant breeding, contributing as the main parameter for combination choosing. The selection based only on desirable characters is insufficient to produce a high genetic potential progeny. This work of literature review was developed from March to June 2016.The genotype x environment interaction is a significant variation source in maize hybrids testing. There are evidences that GCA and SCA variance may interact with sites and years, and also that SCA includes dominance and epistasy deviations, as well a significant portion of the genotype x environment interaction. Maize is one of the most investigated crops within the field of genetics, serving as a template for many other cross pollinated specie. Its importance is also given by the large amount of food provided for the entire productive chain, as well as the recent inclusion of maize products in the functional food market. Due to the importance of maize in both national and international scenarios, researches continue to be efficiently and reliably done by numerous scientists. Genetic breeding, in combination with other fields of science, progressively contributed in the genetic improvement of maize, however the first one is the main responsible for genetic gains and the current genetic level of hybrids.