Summary
Because yield components do not behave as independent attributes the conclusions derived from simple yield analyses are of limited value in plant breeding programmes. By calculating a function W of the variances and covariances of the yield components, it is possible to estimate, on a scale from 0 to 1, the degree to which the variations in yield components were independent of one another in any given experiment. By this approach examples of almost complete compensation among the components (W = 0), of mutual independence of the components (W = 0.5), and of additivity of the components (W = 1.0) have been discovered in original data and in the literature. Reasons, and possible applications for these findings are discussed. Investigations into the sampling properties of W are reported in an appendix.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abel G. H. & M. F. Driscoll, 1976. Sequential trait development and breeding for high yields in safflower. Crop Sci. 16: 213–216.
Adams M. W., 1967. Basis of yield component compensation in crop plants with special reference to the field bean Phaseolus vulgaris. Crop Sci. 7: 505–510.
Adams M. W. & J. E. Grafius, 1971. Yield component compensation-alternative interpretations. Crop Sci. 11: 33–35.
Bhatt G. M., 1973. Significance of path coefficient analysis in determining the nature of character associations. Euphytica 22: 338–343.
Campbell D. C. & D. P. Konra, 1978. Relationships among growth patterns, yield components, and yiel of rape seed. Can. J. Pl. Sci. 58: 87–94.
Denis J. C. & M. W. Adams, 1978. A factor analysis of plant variables related to yield in dry beans. I. Morphological traits. Crop Sci. 18: 74–78.
Driscoll M. F. & G. H. Abel, 1976. A correct logarithmic transformation for standardising multiplicative trait variables. Crop Sci. 16: 301–303.
Duate R. A. & M. W. Adams, 1972. A path-coefficient analysis of some yield component inter-relations in field beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Crop Sci. 12: 579–592.
Engledow F. L. & K. Ramiah, 1930. Investigation of yield in cereals. VII A study of development and yield based upon varietal comparisons. J. agric. Sci. 20: 264–344.
Engledow F. L. & S. M. Wadham, 1923. Investigations on yield in the cereals. Part I. J. agric. Sci. 13: 390–439.
Grafius J. E., 1972. Competition for environmental resources by component characters. Crop Sci. 12: 364–367.
Grafius J. E. & L. B. Okoli, 1974. Dimensional balance among yield components and maximum yield in an 8×8 diallel of barley. Crop Sci. 14: 353–355.
Grafius J. E. & R. L. Thomas, 1971. The case for indirect genetic control of sequential traits and the strategy of deployment of environmental resources by the plant. Heredity 26: 433–442.
Hardwick, R. C., D. J. Andrews & J. M. Hardaker, 1977. Navy beans. Ann. Rep. Nat. Veg. Res. Sta. for 1976: 54–55.
Hardwick R. C., D. J. Andrews, C. C. Hole & P. J. Salter, 1979. Variability in pod number and yield in commercial crops of vining peas. J. agric. Sci., Camb. 92: 675–681.
Hardwick R. C., J. M. Hardaker & N. L. Innes, 1978. Yield and components of yield of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in the United Kingdom. J. agric. Sci., Camb., 90: 291–297.
Kuhn W. E. & R. Estucker, 1976. Effect of increasing morphological component expression on yield in corn. Crop Sci. 16: 270–274.
Langer R. H. M., 1967. Physiological approaches to yield determination in wheat and barley. Field Crop Abst. 20: 101–106.
Manning H. L., 1957. Yield improvement from a selection index technique with cotton. Heredity 10: 303–322.
Neales T. F. & A. O. Nicholls, 1978. Growth responses of young wheat plants to a range of ambient carbon dioxide levels. Aust. J. Pl. Phys. 5: 45–59.
Nickell C. D. & J. E. Grafius, 1969. Analysis of a negative response to selection for high yield in winter barley, Hordeum vulgare L. Crop Sci. 9: 447–451.
Rasmusson D. C. & R. Q. Cannell, 1970. Selection for grain yield and components of yield in barley. Crop Sci. 10: 51–53.
Thomas R. L., J. E.Grafius & S. K.Hahn, 1971a. Genetic analysis of correlated sequential characters. Heredity 26: 177–188.
Thomas R. L., J. E. Grafius & S. K. Hahn, 1971b. Transformation of sequential quantitative characters. Heredity 26: 189–193.
Thomas R. L., J. E. Grafius & S. K. Hahn, 1971c. Stress: an analysis of its source and influence. Heredity 26: 423–432.
Thurling G., 1974. Morphological determinants of yield in rape seed (Brassica compestus and Brassica rapus). I. Growth and morphological characters. Aust. J. agric. Res. 25: 697–710.
Voysest, O. & M. W. Adams, 1970. An attempt to overcome the yield dampening effect of negative correlation among yield components. Agron. Abstr. 18.
Wahua T. A. T. & D. A. Miller, 1978. Relative yield totals and yield components of intercropped sorghum and soybeans. Agron. J. 70: 287–291.
Walton P. D., 1971. The use of factor analysis in determining characters for yield selection in wheat. Euphytica 20: 416–421.
Walker J. T., 1960. The use of a selection index technique in the analysis of progeny row data. Empire Cotton Growing Rev. 37: 81–107.
Webb R. A. 1967. The components of yield in blackcurrants. Sci. Hort. 4: 247–254.
Wellensiek S. J. 1941. Yield analysis. I Orientation. Meded. Landbouwhogeschool 45 (1): 1–29.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hardwick, R.C., Andrews, D.J. Genotypic and environmental variation in crop yield. A method of estimating the interdependence of the components of yield. Euphytica 29, 177–188 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00037265
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00037265