Selection by seed weight improves traits related to seedling establishment in P anicum coloratum L . var. makarikariense

Selection for heavy seed was implemented to overcome establishment problems in P anicum coloratum var. makarikariense . A collection covering the genetic diversity of the species available in A rgentina was used as a base population ( BP ), and two cycles of recurrent phenotypic selection to increase seed weight were performed. Seedlings, obtained from seeds from each cycle and the BP , were further evaluated in the greenhouse. An increase of 17% in mean seed weight was obtained after two cycles of recurrent selection. No differences in germination or emergence were detected among the selected materials and the BP . However, seedlings from selected materials were taller and showed higher leaf elongation rate, adventitious roots elongation rate and total growth rate than that from BP . This research also revealed that in P . coloratum var. makarikariense , more vigorous seedlings can be selected from genotypes that produce heavier seeds.