Inbred corn line BB46

#The present invention relates to a new and distinctive corn inbred line, designated BB46. All publications cited in this application are herein incorporated by reference.

#There are numerous steps in the development of any novel, desirable plant germplasm. Plant breeding begins with the analysis and definition of problems and weaknesses of the current germplasm, the establishment of program goals, and the definition of specific breeding objectives. The next step is selection of germplasm that possess the traits to meet the program goals. The goal is to combine in a single variety or hybrid an improved combination of desirable traits from the parental germplasm. These important traits may include higher yield, resistance to diseases and insects, better stalks and roots, tolerance to drought and heat, reduction of grain moisture at harvest as well as better agronomic quality. With mechanical harvesting of many crops, uniformity of plant characteristics such as germination and stand establishment, growth rate, maturity and plant and ear height is important.

#Choice of breeding or selection methods depends on the mode of plant reproduction, the heritability of the trait(s) being improved, and the type of cultivar used commercially (e.g., F1 hybrid cultivar, pureline cultivar, etc.). For highly heritable traits, a choice of superior individual plants evaluated at a single location will be effective, whereas for traits with low heritability, selection should be based on mean values obtained from replicated evaluations of families of related plants. Popular selection methods commonly include pedigree selection, modified pedigree selection, mass selection, recurrent selection, and backcross breeding.

#Inbred corn line BB46 is a yellow dent corn inbred with superior characteristics, and provides a very good female parental line in crosses for producing first generation (F1) hybrid corn. Inbred corn line BB46 is best adapted to the East, Central, South and Western regions of the United States Corn Belt in the zones that are commonly referred to as Zones 7 and 8. Hybrids that are adapted to these maturity zones can be grown on a significant number of acres as it relates to the total of the USA corn acres. Inbred corn line BB46 can be used to produce hybrids having a relative maturity of approximately 107 to 115 days on the Comparative Relative Maturity Rating System for harvest moisture of grain. Inbred corn line BB46 produces a large volume of seed as a female parent in the production of F1 hybrids. Inbred corn line BB46 shows very good emergence vigor. Inbred corn line BB46, when compared to B73/B37-based inbreds, contributes an outstanding yield to moisture ratio to the F1 hybrids. This outstanding yield to moisture ratio for its maturity and high level of production directly correlate to a higher income per acre for the farmer as it relates to high yields with minimal drying costs. In addition, the lower grain moisture observed at harvest combined with competitive yield will allow the farmer to begin harvest earlier without sacrificing yield potential compared to later hybrids. F1 hybrids with inbred corn line BB46 as one of the parent lines produce large, very girthy ears with a high number of kernel rows, very deep kernels with acceptable kernel quality.

#Inbred corn line BB46 is similar to corn line B73, however, there are numerous differences including that inbred corn line BB46 has better resistance to stalk lodging than corn line B73. Inbred corn line BB46 has an average plant height of 231 cm with an average ear insertion of 72.5 cm. The inbred corn line BB46 consistency of ear development and ear size are transferred to the F1 hybrids in the majority of crosses and are exhibited in an eye-appealing appearance, especially at harvest time.

#Inbred corn line BB46 is a mid-season inbred. Heat units to 50% pollen shed are approximately 1598 and to 50% silk are approximately 1694 as measured near Fort Branch, Ind. in 2008.