Biometric-genetic analysis of in vitro callus proliferation in rapeseed (Brassica napus)

The genetics/inheritance of callus induction and growth in terms of gene action, genetic variance components, and allied genetic parameters was determined in five pure lines of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), Orakel, ACSN1, P504588, P704591 and Boanty by diallel analysis of F1 progenies from five parents. The parents and their F1 hybrids were grown on MS medium in Petri dishes. The data were collected after five weeks on percent of callus induction, callus diameter and callus fresh weight. The additive (and dominance (Ĥ) components were significant for all traits. H1 and H2 were higher than D, indicating that, the dominant component was larger than additive component. Epistasis was almost absent. Dominant alleles caused high and recessive alleles caused low expression of callus induction and growth. Because of better breeding value, high per-se performance, and desirable position in the Wr –Vr graph, three parents Orakel, ACSN1 and Boanty were identified as potential genotypes to be exploited for callus growth improvement by hybridization followed by selection.   Key words: Callus growth, diallel analysis, inheritance, rapeseed, dominant alleles.