Publication Date
1993
Description
Two-allele populations (TAPs) of autotelraploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were used to evaluate whether progressive heterosis can be enhanced through accumulation of favourable- alleles._ Comparisons involved 4 TAPs per se, and single- and double-crosses produced by hybridising the TAPs, at both the original (OG) and advanced generation (AG) levels. When the different progenies were compared as a percentage of the "Vernal" check, AG crosses exhibited consistent improvements in breeding value over their OG counterparts and also show enhanced progressive heterosis. These improvements occurred despite higher inbreeding levels (decreased heterozygosity) in the AG progenies and indicate that heterosis can be improved even within relatively narrow genetic backgrounds through the accumulation of favourable alleles.
Citation
Woodfield, D R. and Bingham, E T., "Gene Action and Enhanced Progressive Heterosis in Autotetraploid Alfalfa" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 28.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session12/28
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Gene Action and Enhanced Progressive Heterosis in Autotetraploid Alfalfa
Two-allele populations (TAPs) of autotelraploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were used to evaluate whether progressive heterosis can be enhanced through accumulation of favourable- alleles._ Comparisons involved 4 TAPs per se, and single- and double-crosses produced by hybridising the TAPs, at both the original (OG) and advanced generation (AG) levels. When the different progenies were compared as a percentage of the "Vernal" check, AG crosses exhibited consistent improvements in breeding value over their OG counterparts and also show enhanced progressive heterosis. These improvements occurred despite higher inbreeding levels (decreased heterozygosity) in the AG progenies and indicate that heterosis can be improved even within relatively narrow genetic backgrounds through the accumulation of favourable alleles.
