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Genetic Control of Spikelet Number in Hexaploid Wheat 1
Author(s) -
Rahman M. S.,
Halloran G. M.,
Wilson J. H.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1977.0011183x001700020016x
Subject(s) - biology , photoperiodism , cultivar , backcrossing , dominance (genetics) , trait , botany , agronomy , gene , horticulture , genetics , computer science , programming language
Inheritance of spikelet number per ear was studied in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell.) using the cultivar ‘Sunset’ and a land race cultivar ‘8–27’ under controlled temperature (20 C) and a photoperiod of (12 and 24 hours). Under the 24‐hour photoperiod, spikelet number per ear behaved as a quantitative trait in the F 1 and F 2 populations with indications of dominance for high spikelet number. However, the magnitude of environmental effects on the parents and F 2 did not preclude the possibility of the F 2 segregation being that of a single gene. The backcross F 1 of the cross (Sunset ✕ 8–27) ✕ Sunset gave a 1:1 ratio for high:low spikelet number, indicating the likelihood of a single gene difference between these two wheats in the determination of spikelet number per ear. Under the 12‐hour photoperiod, however, low spikelet number was dominant and governed by a single gene which was most likely a gene governing a difference in photoperiodic sensitivity between the parents, and which masked the action of the gene governing differences in spikelet number. It is suggested that such studies be made under environmental conditions which minimize differences in the rate and/or duration of spike differentiation between the parents, revealing genetic differences in the expression. Alternatively, such studies may be conducted under any environments provided the parents have similar developmental patterns.