Seeds tolerance to high drying temperature is an important characteristic to be evaluated in the corn breeding programs. In this research the genetic control of this characteristic was studied by using the seed physiological characteristics. Twelve lines, previously selected were used, being six tolerant and six intolerant to high drying temperature, in a 6 x 6 partial diallel. The seeds were harvested by hand on corn ears with water content around 35% and dried at 45oC up to 8% water content.

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... he physiological quality of the seeds was evaluated by germination test, cold test without soil, accelerated aging and electrical conductivity. The effects of the general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability, and the reciprocal effects were significant for the high drying temperature tolerance. Inside the genotypical variability observed, the reciprocal effects occurred for 47% and 44,7% for the accelerated aging and electrical conductivity test, respectively, and for 49% for germination and cold tests. In the genetic control for the high drying temperature tolerance maternal effect will probably occur.