HERITABILITY OF N2(C2H2) FIXATION RATES AND RELATED CHARACTERS IN PEAS (Pisum sativum L.)

Abstract

To study the genetic variability of N2(C2H2) fixation rates in peas, 85 genotypes were screened in the field. Genotype means differed (P < 0.01), and ranged from 1.5 to 12.5 μmoles C2H2∙h−1∙plant−1 and from 10 to 49 μmoles C2H2∙h−1∙(g nodulated root)−1. Under environmentally controlled conditions the rankings of six genotypes, selected to represent the full genotypic range of fixation, were significantly correlated to those in the field. A diallel mating design among the six genotypes showed that heterosis occurred in fixation per plant, probably partly due to nonallelic interaction. In fixation per gram nodulated root, however, nonadditive effects were small. Heterosis occurred in total shoot N and in shoot weight, probably due in the latter case to both nonallelic interaction and overdominance. Total dominance, associated with decreased expression, was evident for percent shoot N. Study of the genes controlling fixation may best be done by examining N2(C2H2) reduction on a per-gram nodulated root basis because results are less affected by the genetics of correlated whole plant characters. Fixation expressed in this way might be improved by simple selection.