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Dissecting apple tree architecture into genetic, ontogenetic and environmental effects: mixed linear modelling of repeated spatial and temporal measures
Author(s) -
Segura Vincent,
Cilas Christian,
Costes Evelyne
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2007.02374.x
Subject(s) - biology , trait , genetic architecture , malus , phenotypic plasticity , gene–environment interaction , ontogeny , quantitative trait locus , linear model , mixed model , genotype , tree (set theory) , evolutionary biology , ecology , statistics , genetics , mathematics , gene , computer science , mathematical analysis , programming language
Summary• The present study aimed to dissect tree architectural plasticity into genetic, ontogenetic and environmental effects over the first 4 yr of growth of an apple ( Malus × domestica ) F1 progeny by means of mixed linear modelling of repeated data. • Traits related to both growth and branching processes were annually assessed on different axes of the trees planted in a staggered‐start design. Both spatial repetitions, (i.e. different axis types) and temporal repetitions (i.e. successive ages of trees) were considered in a mixed linear model of repeated data. • A significant genotype effect was found for most studied traits and interactions between genotype and year and/or age were also detected. The analysis of repeated temporal measures highlighted that the magnitude of the decrease in primary growth is mainly determined by the first year of growth, and the decrease in bottom diameter increment is concomitant with the first fruiting occurrence. • This approach allowed us to distinguish among the traits that were under genetic control, those for which this control is exerted differentially throughout tree life or depending on climatic conditions or an axis type. Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) that are specific to these different effects will constitute the next step in the research.