Abstract
The inheritance of three qualitative characters is examined in the first and second generations derived from crosses, both within and between inbred lines of Nicotiana rustica, that were produced using pollen irradiated with 20 Krad of γ-rays. In the M1 generation the radiation induced the mutational loss of dominant alleles for black ovaries and green flowers. In the subsequent M2 and backcross generations significant disturbances were observed in the segregations of these characters in favour of the original maternal alleles. The average frequency of transmission of a maternal allele from the M1 is estimated as 0·55, indicating mild selection against radiation damage in the M1 gametophytes or in the resultant zygotes. Selection of this intensity is insufficient to explain the maternal trends previously reported in this species and is insufficient to be of value to plant breeding. Similar results from various species have been obtained by other workers with the exception of Powell et al. (1983), who present evidence of strong selection in Hordeum vulgare.
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Werner, C., Cornish, M. Gene transfer in Nicotiana rustica by means of irradiated pollen IV. Qualitative characters. Heredity 55, 315–320 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1038/hdy.1985.113
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/hdy.1985.113
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