Genetics of in vitro organogenesis and precocious germination of wheat embryos

Abstract

The genetic bases of in vitro organogenesis and precocious germination of embryos in immature wheat embryo culture were investigated using six Brazilian genotypes and their F1, F2, BC1F1 and BC2F1 generations in a generation means analysis. Four parents and one set of F1’s were also analyzed in a diallel experiment. The results indicated a complex gene action controlling both traits, with additive, dominant and epistatic effects. High broad sense heritability values were found, indicating genetic determination. Considering the complexity of gene control, genetic gain could be achieved by selecting for the traits in advanced generations of the segregating population. Low correlation values between organogenesis, precocious germination, regeneration and somatic embryogenesis (data shown in a previous report) indicated the possibility of obtaining recombinant genotypes.