Triple test cross analysis for salinity tolerance based upon seedling root length in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The genetic basis of salinity tolerance of maize was examined using the triple test cross (TTC) method. The TTC progenies were evaluated for seedling root growth in saline solutions with NaCl concentrations of 0 (control) and 80 mM. Analysis of root length data of the progenies suggested that epistatic effects were im-portant for salinity tolerance at the seedling stage. Additive x additive effects were more important for both absolute and relative root length under NaCl stress. Additive x treatment interaction was not significant, whereas epistasis x treatment interactions were significant. Non-additive effects predominantly controlled tolerance at the seedling stage, and dominance appeared to be ambidirectional for salinity tolerance.