PH4D55

Corn

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'PH1MDK'

Summary: Anthesis for ‘PH4D55' occurs late in the season whereas that for ‘PH1MDK' occurs mid-season. The plants of ‘PH4D55' are shorter than those of ‘PH1MDK'. The leaf blade of ‘PH4D55' is wider than that of ‘PH1MDK'. The ear of ‘PH4D55' is longer than that of ‘PH1MDK'. Including the kernels, the ear of ‘PH4D55' has a smaller diameter than that of ‘PH1MDK'.

Description:

PLANT: inbred yellow variety, medium ratio of height of insertion of peduncle of upper ear to plant height, anthesis occurs late in season, silk emergence occurs mid-season

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

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

TASSEL: many primary lateral branches, moderately sparse spikelets on middle third of main branch, long main axis above lowest lateral branch, medium length of main axis above highest lateral branch
LATERAL BRANCHES: slightly recurved, very small angle with main axis, medium length
GLUME: absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration at base, absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration at apex and middle
ANTHER (ON MIDDLE THIRD OF MAIN BRANCH OF TASSEL): absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration

EAR: weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration of silks, conico-cylindrical shape, very many rows of grain, medium intensity of anthocyanin colouration on glumes of cob
KERNEL: dent-like type, yellow on top, orange on dorsal side

Origin & Breeding History: ‘PH4D55' was developed by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. using a double haploid plant breeding method. The variety resulted from a cross between two inbred lines, designated ‘PH25TK' and ‘PH1MDK', conducted in Mankato, Minnesota, USA in 2011. The F1 generation underwent haploidization, followed by chromosome doubling and selfing, as part of a field experiment conducted in Arica, Chile, which was planted in June 2012. Resulting DH1 lines were self pollinated and harvested in bulk. ‘PH4D55' was selected in 2013 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. Breeder seed was established at the DH2 in 2013.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for ‘PH4D55' was conducted in Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec during the 2022 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 60 plants per variety. Measured characteristics were based on a minimum of 30 measurements per variety. Mean differences were significant at the 5% confidence probability level based on a paired Student's T-tests. Results were supported by the official technical examination report number 202200409, purchased from the Plant Variety Protection Office in Washington, District of Columbia, USA.

Comparison tables for 'PH4D55' with reference variety 'PH1MDK'

Plant height (including tassel) (metres)

Leaf blade width (cm)

Ear length (cm)

Ear diameter (including kernels) (cm)

Click on image for larger view

Corn: 'PH4D55' (top) with reference variety 'PH1MDK' (bottom)