Development of molecular markers linked to barley heterosis

Abstract

The use of a three-line breeding system based on cytoplasmic male sterility has a great potential for hybrid production in barley. Hybrid vigour, or heterosis, which is an advantage of the offspring as compared to two parental lines, is one of the major factors for the success of the use of hybrids. In this study, gene differential expression profiles between barley hybrids and their parents were analysed by cDNA-AFLP analysis using forty eight crosses. Five transcript-derived fragments (TDFs) showed significant effects on heterosis of 1,000-kernel-weight, one of the major yield components. These five TDFs were successfully validated in different crosses by eliminating crosses with lower heterosis and thus can be used in breeding programs.

Heterosis and Diallel Analysis for Grain Yield, Yield Attributes and Physiological Traits in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

“…Lack of high yielding varieties and scanty information on the kind of gene effects in different germplasm and cultivars for grain yield are the major drawbacks for lower yields of this crop in the Bundelkhand region. A sound understanding of the nature and extent of gene effects and heterosis for grain yield, yield components and key physiological characters is essential for initiating successful barley improvement in the region (Liaqat et al, 2023, Machado et al, 2023, Zhang et al, 2015. The knowledge of favourable gene effects and gene constellations will be helpful in accumulating desirable alleles contributing towards attainable high yield levels.…”