Effects of reduced plant height on breeding requirements and ...

SLIMMÀRY f.ND CONCI,US]ONS
three popr¡lations <strong>of</strong> barley, developed from crosses
involving one semf-dwarf parent, were grown at each <strong>of</strong> two
locations for two years. The data were used to estÍmate
heritabilities and variance conponents for <strong>plant</strong> <strong>height</strong> and
several 0ther agronomic parameters as well as to define the
ínterrelatlonships <strong>of</strong> these parameters by correlatLon pro_
cedures. Some malting quality traits were ÍncLuded ín the
correlation study.
The objective was to determine the effects <strong>of</strong> involving
<strong>reduced</strong> <strong>plant</strong> <strong>height</strong> in barley on breeding procedures and on
other parameters <strong>of</strong> concern to breeders. Further to this
was the objective <strong>of</strong> individual genotypic evaluation.
The introduction <strong>of</strong> <strong>reduced</strong> <strong>plant</strong> <strong>height</strong> into the
barley populations studied was interpreted as not appreciably
affecting the variances and heritabilities <strong>of</strong> other agronomic
characteristics studied.
Plant <strong>height</strong> itself was highly herÍtable, as was kernel
weight. Days to heading, and maturity were generaì.1y highly
heritable, while test weíght, plumpness anit lodging were
somewhat less heritable, yield. had the lowest heritabilÍty.
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