Premium
Mass Selection for Plant Height Using a Systemic Herbicide 1
Author(s) -
Sorrells M. E.,
Neiss A. M.
Publication year - 1985
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/cropsci1985.0011183x002500020035x
Subject(s) - biology , selection (genetic algorithm) , canopy , agronomy , population , clipping (morphology) , botany , computer science , linguistics , philosophy , demography , artificial intelligence , sociology
Efficient mass selection techniques can be used to screen large populations for desirable characteristics at minimal cost. In order to test a mass selection technique for short plant stature, a rope‐wick herbicide applicator was used to apply glyphosate to two heterogeneous populations of winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). At 1 to 2 weeks postanthesis, a tractor‐mounted applicator was passed over each of the populations 0, 1, 2, or 4 times at approximately 20 cm below canopy height. One cycle of mass selection using one pass of the applicator significantly reduced the height of both populations without reducing population variance. The systemic herbicide eliminates many of the short tillers of tall plants, thus improving the effectiveness of selection over the use of clipping techniques. The necessary equipment and materials are inexpensive and readily available.