RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN TOLERANCE TO HEAVY METALS IN AGROSTIS CAPILLARIS L. (A. TENUIS SIBTH.)

Abstract

Heavy‐metal tolerance was investigated in Agrostis capillaris L. (A. tenuis Sibth.) using a standard rooting test on plants originating from a copper‐contaminated site (Parys Mountain) and a lead‐contaminated site (Goginan). Six F1 families obtained by interpopulation hybridization and F2 and backcross generations derived from one of them were screened. Estimates of the genetic and environmental components of phenotypic correlation were obtained in terms of both root length and tolerance index. Results are discussed in relation to problems of interpretation of evidence for multiple‐ or co‐tolerance based on tolerance indices and phenotypic correlations. Copyright © 1984, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved