The production and assay of segmental substitution lines in barley

Abstract

SUMMARYThe usual systems of assay using techniques of chromosome substitution demonstrated inDrosophilaand wheat are not applicable to barley (Hordeum vulgare). Chromosomal material for assay may, however, be substituted from one variety into another by using translocations to mark and restrict crossing over in the chromosomes to be transferred. This paper describes the isolation and assay of lines derived in this way.Seven substitution lines derived from the donor variety Maris Badger and the recipient variety Mars have been scored for quantitative characters in two field trials.The results indicate that variation in flowering time and other associated characters is largely determined by genes on chromosome 2 and that chromosome 4 is involved in the control of plant height.The feasibility of the technique as a method of assaying the contributions of chromosomes to qualitative characters by substitution in a diploid is discussed.