Utilization of Genetic Variability of Resynthesized Rapeseed

Abstract

Abstract The performance of single cross hybrids between resynthesized (resyn.) genotypes and varieties of rapeseed was tested in microplots. The results revealed strong, genetic differences between the artificially synthesized rapeseed forms for all the characters investigated, as well as for g.c.a. values. In particular, hybrids with resyn rapeseed exhibited a vigorous vegetative growth. It should therefore, be beneficial to use resyn forms directly in fodder rape breeding programmes. Disturbances in fertility of the resyn material resulted in a low number of seeds per pod and consequently in an inferior seed yield as compared to the varieties, although some high yielding combinations were also identified. Three‐way hybrids with a 25% genome share of the resyn rapessed reached only lower vegetative performance as compared 10 the hybrids with a 50% resyn genome but their performance in generative traits was general superior‐ In respect to seed yield some progenies of three‐way hybrids showed a higher plot performance than even the high yielding varieties. A further comparison between single‐cross combinations of resyn × variety on the one hand and variety × variety on the other hand demonstrated that resyn genotypes, due to a distinct apical dominance, exhibited a pronounced expression of characters measured on the main stem. But in total, ii is evident from the present findings that any hybridization with this resyn material does not promise immediate short‐term varietal improvement.