The present work aimed to evaluate the performance end high parent heterosis of 27 hybrids of partially endogamic lines (S3) obtained from commercial hybrids, using top cross squemes with testers (IA 33). Also, the general combining ability (GCA) of the lines was evaluated. The 27 top cross hybrids, two commercial checks and the tester were evaluated by complete block design with three replications, in two years (2005/2006 e 2006/2007), and three locations (Campinas, Mococa and Palmital) of São Paulo State. The evaluated traits were: plant height (AP), ear height (AE), percentage of broken and loged plant (AC+Q), ear yield (PE) and grain yield corrected of 14% moisture (PG). Top cross hybrids of high yield performance that outperformed or did not differ from the commercial check were observed. Therefore top cross hybrids with high yield performance and with advantage of small production cost were identified. Also line S3 with high value of GCA were observed.
Zea mays; top cross; S3 lines; high parent heterosis
