ISSN:
1439-0523
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Aluminium (Al) toxicity is a major limiting factor for plant production on acid soils. Breeding of adapted genotypes presents an alternative to corrective lime application. This study estimated genetic and non-genetic components of variation, heritabilities, and trait correlations for 20 triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) genotypes grown for 2 years on naturally acidic, Al-toxic (pH 4.4) and lime-amended soils (pH 5.0 and 6.3). Eight traits were assessed. A 51% mean reduction in grain yield as a result of soil acidity was due to 27% fewer grains/spike, 11% fewer spikes/m2 and 7% reduced 1000-grain weight. Genotypes were the most important source of variation for nearly all traits in the combined analysis across years. Genotype × lime interaction was relevant only for certain traits in a particular year. Despite a substantial genotype × year interaction, the general ranking of genotypes for acid-soil tolerance did not change across years. Genotypic variation was higher on acidic than on lime-amended soil. Heritability estimates were similar at the two extreme pH levels. Results suggest that in triticale a wide variation for adaptation to soil acidity exists. Selection under stress appears more effective than under optimal conditions. A visual plant-development-stress-symptom rating can be used to select indirectly for grain yield in a breeding programme.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0523.2000.00492.x
