Parent-offspring relationships and genetic behavior of certain morphological characteristics in kleingrass, Panicum coloratum L

Abstract

Kleingrass (Panicum coloratum L.), a recently introduced warm season, perennial, bunch-grass, has many characteristics which are desirable in a forage grass. The major known limitation of this species is seed shattering, a characteristic in which no variability has been observed. This study was conducted to gain information concerning the relationships among and the variability in six important agronomic characteristics as determined by the performance of both selfed (S�) and open-pollinated (O.P.) progeny. In addition, two limited studies were conducted. The first, to investigate the inheritance of certain morphological characteristics which might be used as genetic markers in future studies. The second, to determine the effects of radiation on seed shattering and general variability. Considerable genetic variation was apparent among the 42 parental clones based on the performance of both S� and O.P. progeny. Heritability estimates based on progeny indicated that the additive portion of genetic variance was limited; therefore, little advance can be expected in the future from selection. Similar estimates based on O.P. progeny revealed that among the lines tested, a considerable amount of inbreeding had taken place. ...