Genetics of postharvest longevity and quality traits in late generation crosses of Antirrhinum majus L.

Abstract

Progeny of 158 F5 x F5 crosses of Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon) selected within and among cut flower postharvest longevity (PHL) categories (long = 12.6-16.8 days, middle = 9.3-12.1 days, and short = 4.8-8.9 days) were evaluated for PHL and quality traits. Results were compared with previous studies involving F2 x F2 progeny, and F 3, F4, and F5 inbred lines. Heritability of PHL in F5 x F5 progeny (0.77 ± 0.11) agrees with that of inbred lines (0.79 to 0.81) but is higher than in F2 x F 2 progeny (0.41). Therefore, selection for increased PHL should progress more rapidly and predictably through application of inbred lines rather than F2 individuals. Significant differences between F5 x F5 progeny PHL categories confirm PHL is heritable with a significant additive component. Heritabilities of quality traits in A. majus are high, suggesting selection for quality traits should progress without difficulty. Phenotypic and genotypic correlations of PHL with quality traits are not consistently significant across PHL studies in A. majus. Discrepancies between studies suggest most traits may not be correlated to PHL or are subject to strong environmental influence.