PH48KC

Corn

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'PH1MB5'

Summary: The leaf blade just above the upper ear of 'PH48KC' is narrower than that of 'PH1MB5'. The main axis above the lowest lateral branch on the tassel of 'PH48KC' is long whereas for 'PH1MB5' it is very long. The main axis above the highest lateral branch on the tassel of 'PH48KC' is a medium length whereas that for 'PH1MB5' is long. The tassels of 'PH48KC' have a medium density of spikelets whereas those of 'PH1MB5' are moderately dense with spikelets. The tassels of 'PH48KC' have many primary lateral branches whereas those of 'PH1MB5' have a medium number of primary lateral branches. Including the kernels, the ear of 'PH48KC' has a smaller diameter than that of 'PH1MB5'.

Description:

PLANT: inbred yellow variety, medium ratio of height of insertion of peduncle of upper ear to plant height, anthesis and silk emergence occur mid season

STEM: absent or very slight degree of zig-zag, absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration on brace roots

LEAF BLADE (JUST ABOVE UPPER EAR): medium degree of undulation of margin, small angle with stem, slightly recurved

TASSEL: many primary lateral branches, medium density of spikelets on middle third of main branch, long main axis above lowest lateral branch, medium length main axis above highest lateral branch
LATERAL BRANCHES: straight, small angle with main axis, medium length
GLUME: absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration throughout
ANTHER (ON MIDDLE THIRD OF MAIN BRANCH OF TASSEL): absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration

EAR: absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration of silks, short husk (level with tip), conico-cylindrical shape, medium number of rows of grain, medium intensity of anthocyanin colouration on glumes of cob
EAR WINGS: present on a high percentage of plants, long
KERNEL: dent type, yellow on top, yellow orange on dorsal side

TILLERING: present on a low percentage of plants

Origin & Breeding History: 'PH48KC' was developed by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. using a double haploid plant breeding method. In 2010, a cross was conducted between proprietary inbred lines in Willmar, Minnesota, USA. In 2011, the F1 generation underwent a haploidization process with subsequent chromosome doubling and selfing. In 2012, selected D1 lines were self pollinated and harvested in bulk. In 2014, the D2 and D3 lines were self pollinated with subsequent ear selections respectively. 'PH48KC' was selected based on tassel size, pollen production, germination ability, stalk lodging resistance, late season plant health, yield in hybrid combination, grain quality, as well as disease and insect resistance. The D5 seed was bulked as breeder seed in Brookings, South Dakota, USA in 2015.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for 'PH48KC' was conducted in Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec during the 2021 growing season. The trial was planted in a RCB design with 3 replicates. Each replicate consisted of one 3 metre long row with 76 cm between the rows. With approximately 20 plants per row, there was a total of 50 to 60 plants per variety. Measured characteristics were based on a minimum of 30 measurements per variety. Mean differences were significant at the 5% probability level based on Student's T-tests. Results were supported by the official technical examination report 202000343, purchased from the Plant Variety Protection Office in Washington, District of Columbia, USA.

Comparison tables for 'PH48KC' with reference variety 'PH1MB5'

Leaf blade width (cm)

Ear diameter (including kernels) (cm)

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Corn: 'PH48KC' (left) with reference variety 'PH1MB5' (right)

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Corn: 'PH48KC' (top) with reference variety 'PH1MB5' (bottom)