Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
This research was undertaken to advance the knowledge of breeding for improved forage yield in reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), a cross-pollinated, perennial, cool-season grass. The relative yield of F1 hybrids and advancedgeneration synthetics formed from clones selected for high general combining ability (GCA) for yield was investigated. In addition, effects on synthetic performance of excluding the parent clone with high inbreeding depression were studied. Experimental strains were evaluated in dense stands harvested at least three times each year. The highest-yielding two-clone cross yielded only 2% more than the highest-yielding, advanced-generation synthetic. This superiority would be insufficient for commercial use of such a hybrid. Elimination of the clone with the highest GCA but greatest inbreeding depression for forage yield had no consistent significant effect on synthetic performance. Selecting parents for high GCA and diversity of origin offers the most promise for improving yield in reed canarygrass. Mild selection for high clonal yield can be used to reduce the number of clones to be tested for combining ability.
Citation
Carlson, Irving T., "Breeding for Increased Forage Yield in Reed Canarygrass" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 36.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses2/36)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Breeding for Increased Forage Yield in Reed Canarygrass
Kyoto Japan
This research was undertaken to advance the knowledge of breeding for improved forage yield in reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), a cross-pollinated, perennial, cool-season grass. The relative yield of F1 hybrids and advancedgeneration synthetics formed from clones selected for high general combining ability (GCA) for yield was investigated. In addition, effects on synthetic performance of excluding the parent clone with high inbreeding depression were studied. Experimental strains were evaluated in dense stands harvested at least three times each year. The highest-yielding two-clone cross yielded only 2% more than the highest-yielding, advanced-generation synthetic. This superiority would be insufficient for commercial use of such a hybrid. Elimination of the clone with the highest GCA but greatest inbreeding depression for forage yield had no consistent significant effect on synthetic performance. Selecting parents for high GCA and diversity of origin offers the most promise for improving yield in reed canarygrass. Mild selection for high clonal yield can be used to reduce the number of clones to be tested for combining ability.
