Genetic variation for seed yield components of Westerwold ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum var. westerwoldicum).

Abstract

Genetic variation for seed yield components was studied in 4 diploid varieties of Westerwold ryegrass, and 19 genotypes from each variety were grown in the field in 2 clonal replicate rows (minirows). The number of inflorescences/minirow, the numbers of spikelets/inflorescence and florets and seeds/spikelet, 1000-grain weight and seed yield/minirow were determined. Floret site utilization (FSU) was calculated as (seeds/floret) x 100%. Genotypic variation and heritabilities were calculated. Correlation studies and path analyses were carried out in each variety separately. Among varieties, no significant differences occurred for seed yield. However, within varieties large genetic variation was present for both seed yield and yield components. Path analyses revealed that relationships between seed yield components differed to a great extent among varieties. FSU was the major yield component in 3 varieties, but in one variety inflorescence number was the most important yield component. There was ample scope for genetic improvement of seed yield. FSU had a very high heritability and was not correlated with any of the other seed yield components. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)