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Selection for Winterhardiness in Wheat. II. Variation within Field Trials 1
Author(s) -
Fowler D. B.
Publication year - 1979
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/cropsci1979.0011183x001900060006x
Subject(s) - biology , selection (genetic algorithm) , snow cover , cultivar , winter wheat , field trial , agronomy , snow , field (mathematics) , field experiment , statistics , mathematics , physics , artificial intelligence , meteorology , computer science , pure mathematics
Differential winterkill is a prerequisite to effective selection among winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) strains in field survival trials. However, when differential winterkill does occur it is usually irregular, with the result that experimental error is high. To determine the magnitude of the variability in winter stress levels experienced in field trials and to investigate methods of controlling this source of experimental error, 26 winter wheat cultivars were grown in field trials in 1973 to 1974 and 1974 to 1975 in Saskatchewan, Canada. The wide range of winter survival ability of these cultivars allowed for detection of differences in winter stress levels experienced in each trial. Based on these differences, field stress contour maps were developed. These maps demonstrated that large, rapid changes took place in the levels of winter stress experienced and emphasized the irregular pattern of these changes. The primary cause of this response was attributed to variable snow cover on the test sites. The implications of these observations in selection for winter survival potential under field conditions are discussed.