HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Allan, R. E. Articles by Pritchett, J. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Allan, R. E. Articles by Pritchett, J. A. Agricola Articles by Allan, R. E. Articles by Pritchett, J. A.

Prediction of Semidwarf Culm-Length Genotypes in Wheat¹

Two major independent genes, Sd₁ and Sd₂, control semidwarf culm length in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and singly produce very similar culm-length phenotypes. Culm-length genotypes of semidwarf lines have normally been determined by evaluating culm-length distributions for F₂ populations of test crosses to known Sd₁ and Sd₂ lines. In the present study, test crosses of eight semidwarf lines of unknown genotype were made to Sd₁ and Sd₂ tester lines to test the premise that the magnitudes of variance for coleoptile length and culm length varied directly with one another in F₂ populations. The results verified that variance of coleoptile length closely corresponded with the variance of culm length in all F₂ populations. The culm-length genotypes of the eight semidwarf lines were accurately predicted using the F₂ coleoptile-length variance values. The coleoptile test is particularly valuable because measurements can be obtained in 8 days, and the test requires little space and much less labor than the F₂ culm-length method. Identification of culm-length genotype is a necessary first step before the association of these specific genes with seedling vigor, winter survival, grain yield, quality criteria, and other important traits can be determined.

Key Words: Triticum aestivum L. • Coleoptile length • Seedling growth • Test cross

² Geneticist and Research Technician, respectively, ARS, USDA, Pullman, Wash. 99163.

Received for publication March 18, 1973.