Parent dependent genotype x environment interaction in crosses of spring wheat

Abstract

Genotype x environment interactions have been analysed for grain yield in parental and successive generations derived from crosses between them in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.em Thell.). Six parental lines were chosen for these crosses on the basis of their known, linear regression, on the additive environmental means, deviations from linearity and mean performance. Six crosses, two low x low, two low x high and two high x high were set up on the basis of the linear sensitivity of the parental lines to the additive environmental variation and F2, F3and F4generations derived from each of them. Both the linear and non-linear components of the genotype x environment interaction of the advanced generation of each cross were clearly related to the corresponding components of their parents. There was also clear evidence for the segregation of genes controlling these two components of the interaction in the F3and F4generations of the crosses between parents contrasting for these properties but not in the F3and F4generations of the crosses between parents which were similar for these properties. All aspects of the phenotype, including linear and non-linear sensitivity to environment, are under genetical control and can, therefore, be selected for in crosses between appropriately chosen parents. © 1976 The Genetical Society of Great Britain.