In this study, we examined the genetic control of the number of leaves above the first ear in maize. The F₂ generations and the backcrosses were obtained from 2 contrasting lines for this trait. All generations were assessed in a completely randomized block design with 2 replications. The number of leaves above the ear was counted when the plants were in the tasseling stage at the level of plan...

two types of small-scale selection experiments were performed. (1) Artificial selection experiments were performed on age-specific female fecundity. Selection for early fecundity over three generations produced a statistically detectable direct response. There was no detectable indirect response in other life-history characters. Selection for late fecundity over three generations did not produc...