Genetic studies in heavy metal tolerant plants

Abstract

The genetics of zinc tolerance in Anthoxanthum odoratum was examined using the technique of pair crosses, and diallel analysis. Evidence is presented that the genetic control of zinc tolerance is (a) dominant and directional, (b) under a polygenic control system probably with a small number of loci involved, (c) not under any maternal influence. The parents have been shown to be highly heterozygous.