In spite of its limitations, the inbred-hybrid breeding system is the most extensively and successfully employed method of corn improvement in the United States. The breeding procedure consists of (1) isolation of inbred lines by selfing or inbreeding a few plants in each of the source populations which are open pollinated varieties or races, mass selected populations, synthetics or composites; (2) evaluation of inbred lines in top and single crosses; (3) crossing the chosen inbreds to produce highly vigorous and productive hybrids. Selection for desirable agronomic characteristics is practiced during the inbreeding process. In our breeding 􀀀p􀀀r􀀀o􀀀g􀀀r􀀀a􀀀R􀀀~􀀀e in Jamaica, we are using this method to develop hybrid vaI'ieties which are adapted to low land tropical conditions. The sE!lection emphasis is on the following traits: 1. High yield 2. Short plant s1:ature with reUtively low ear beight 3. Ears with tight husks and strong shank 4. Resistance to lodging 5. Resistance to various leaf diseases like rust and blight 6. Resistance to chemical burns by herbicides and insecticides.