Identification of heterotic patterns between expired proprietary, NDSU, and industry short-season maize inbred lines

Abstract Maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines are under restricted use, protected by Patent and Plant Variety Protection (PVP) laws. Research objectives were i) to identify and validate heterotic groups and patterns, and ii) to determine if ex-PVP lines are useful for continued genetic progress in short-season environments. Three groups of crosses were made following North Carolina Mating Design II (NCII) including 12 NDSU, 24 ex-PVP lines, and seven current industry testers. Hybrids were planted in four different experiments at six ND environments following partially balanced lattice experimental...