A diallel study of Secale cereale

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Rye (Secale cereale) originated and was domesticated in the fertile cresent in the Middel East. Ithas been part of the human staple diet for thousands of years in those areas as well as EasternEurope. It is known for its ability to grow and produce grain and animal feed in harsh environments.Therefore, as a result of its hardiness, rye is cultivated in many countries across the globe.In a rapid changing environment, due to climate change and human population growth, theimportance of food security cannot be over emphasised. Therefore, this study aimed to selectsuperior parent lines for the following characteristics: days to heading, plant length, spike number,thousand kernel weight and yield to be used in the Stellenbosch University's Plant Breedingprogramme.In the first part of the study seed, from eight randomly selected plants from a synthetic population,were planted in planting pots. Due to it's outbreeding nature and high degree of inbreedingdepression, the first filial from each individual plant are half-siblings. DNA from three half-siblingsfrom each parent line was extracted to determine variance at molecular level. Eight clones weremade from the half-sibling showing the greatest variance for each line.In the second part of the study these clones were planted according to a Griffing full diallel matingdesign in all possible combinations. The progeny of these crosses was planted in a random blockdesign with three repititions and the results were measured and compared to determine the generalas well as specific combining ability of the diverent lines.Althouth no significant differences were observed, promising general combiners were identified fordays to heading, plant length, spike number, thousand kernel weight and yield. One line may also beconsidered as a potential parent line for use in a synthetic population to improve qualities for animalfodder and yield. It was also found that one cross performed better than the means for four of thefive traits and may therefore be considered for use in a hybrid production program.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University