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 Gupton, C. L. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Gupton, C. L. Agricola Articles by Gupton, C. L.

Phenotypic Recurrent Selection for Increased Leaf Weight and Decreased Alkaloid Content of Burley Tobacco¹

Nine populations were derived in the selection phase of experiments designed to evaluate a recurrent selection scheme in hurley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). We produced an unselected population of heterozygotes (C_o), three populations by recurrent selection for increased weight of green leaves, and five populations by recurrent selection for decreased percent total alkaloids (% TA) of green leaves. Evaluations of the experimental material were made at three locations. The objectives wre to determine the effects of phenotypic recurrent selection on green tobacco and to ascertain the correlated effects of such selection on the yield and alkaloid content of cured tobacco.

In response to selection, green leaf weight increased somewhat consistently from C₀ to C₃ and % TA declined linearly from C_o, to C₃ The correlated response of cured leaf weight to selection on a green weight basis was a linear increase, averaging 8.1 g per plant per cycle. Percent total alkaloids of cured leaf also declined linearly with successive cycles of selection on a green leaf basis. Five cycles of selection resulted in nearly 23% reduction in percent TA.

The genetic correlation coefficient between green leaf weight and percent TA was –0.50 and –0.62 at two locations. This negative relationship may be a limiting factor in practical usage of phenotypic recurrent selection to increase yields without the aid of a selection index.

Key Words: Nicotiana tabacum L. • Genotypic correlations • Phenotypic assortative mating • Mass selection

² Formerly research geneticist, Southern Region, AR-SEA-USDA, Greeneville, TN 37743. Currently located at the USDA Small Fruit Research Station, Poplarville, MS 39470.

Received for publication August 22, 1980.