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 HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Starmer, K. P. Articles by Davis, J. B. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Starmer, K. P. Articles by Davis, J. B. Agricola Articles by Starmer, K. P. Articles by Davis, J. B.

Heterosis in Spring Canola Hybrids Grown in Northern Idaho

Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences, Univ. of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844-2339, U.S.A.

^* Corresponding author (JBROWN{at}UIDAHO.EDU).

Spring canola acreage has increased in the Pacific Northwest over the past 5 yr. Traditional cultivars are inbred lines, although a high proportion of newer cultivars are hybrids. This study examined the magnitude of heterosis in spring canola to determine the potential advantage of hybrid cultivars. Four inbred cultivars, with diverse geographic origins of development, were hand-pollinated in a diallel design. Performance of F₁ hybrids and their respective inbred parents was evaluated under greenhouse conditions. Field trials were conducted at two locations to compare F₁ hybrids and F₂ progeny with inbred parents. Positive heterosis was found for yield, oil content, and oil quality, with the highest degree of heterosis observed for yield. Hybrids and F₂ progeny produced higher yield than inbred parents because of increased pod number (primarily on the main raceme), larger seeds, and later maturity. However, the magnitude of heterosis observed varied between hybrids. Inbred and hybrid cultivars also were compared in the Pacific Northwest Regional Canola Variety Trials. In these trials, the most adapted hybrids had a yield advantage compared with the most productive inbred cultivars. However, average yield and oil content of hybrids were not significantly different from inbred cultivars. Inbred cultivars tended to have higher oil content and matured earlier. Introduction of hybrid canola cultivars in the Pacific Northwest region has potential to increase canola acreage and grower profit. However, choice of hybrid parents and economics of high quality hybrid seed production will be important factors in hybrid canola cultivar development and acceptance.

Received for publication January 30, 1997.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				P. A. Quijada, J. A. Udall, H. Polewicz, R. D. Vogelzang, and T. C. Osborn Phenotypic Effects of Introgressing French Winter Germplasm into Hybrid Spring Canola Crop Sci., November 1, 2004; 44(6): 1982 - 1989. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. A. Udall, P. A. Quijada, H. Polewicz, R. Vogelzang, and T. C. Osborn Phenotypic Effects of Introgressing Chinese Winter and Resynthesized Brassica napus L. Germplasm into Hybrid Spring Canola Crop Sci., November 1, 2004; 44(6): 1990 - 1996. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]