Summary
Parent-offspring regression was used to estimate heritability for three traits (β-glucan content, groat percentage, and resistance to crown rust (Puccinia coronata Cda. f. sp. avenae Eriks.) in oat (Avena sativa L.). The populations used were derived from two crosses, Nova x Marion QC and Sylva x Marion QC. Marion QC was used as a parent because other research had shown that it is relatively high in β-glucan, a trait for which heritability had not previously been estimated. Nova and Sylva are similar in adaptation to Marion QC, and Sylva may be a source of general resistance to crown rust. Random F5 plants were grown in a greenhouse, and their F6 and F7 progeny were grown in replicated field trials. Heritability estimates for the two grain quality traits were based on regression of F6 values on F5 values, F7 values on F6 values, and F7 values on F5 values. Heritability estimates for β-glucan content were between 0.27 and 0.45. The highest estimate was the one based on the F6 and F7 generations of Sylva x Marion QC: 0.45, compared to estimates of 0.32 or less for earlier generations of the same cross, and to estimates of 0.35 or less for all generations of Nova x Marion QC. Heritability estimates for groat percentage were all between 0.23 and 0.32. The F6 and F7 generations were evaluated for resistance to crown rust resistance. The Sylva x Marion QC cross seemed to segregate for heritable resistance (h 2=0.31) but the Nova x Marion QC cross did not (h 2=0.07). Several lines from the Sylva x Marion QC cross had low symptoms in both the F6 and F7 generations. There were no strong genetic correlations among the traits.
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Humphreys, D.G., Mather, D.E. Heritability of β-glucan, groat percentage, and crown rust resistance in two oat crosses. Euphytica 91, 359–364 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00033098
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00033098