Genetic Analysis of Cut-flower Longevity in Antirrhinum majus

Abstract

<jats:p>Genetics of <jats:italic>Antirrhinum majus</jats:italic> L. (snapdragon) cut flower postharvest longevity (PHL) was investigated by generation means analysis using a white short-lived inbred (WS) and white long-lived inbred (WL) to determine mode of inheritance and heritability. Broad and narrow sense PHL heritability was estimated at 78% and 30%, respectively. Scaling tests for adequacy of an additive-dominance model in explaining PHL inheritance suggested absence of epistasis. However, joint scaling indicated digenic or higher order epistatic interactions. Fitting of a digenic epistatic model revealed significant additive effects and nonsignificant dominance and epistatic interactions. Additionally, based on sequential model fittings all six parameters [mean, additive (a), dominance (d), a×a, d×d, and a×d] proved necessary to explain observed PHL variation. Continuous variation for PHL observed in the F<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> and backcross generations suggests PHL is quantitative. Assessment of associated traits revealed a positive relationship between number of flowers opening postharvest on a cut flower and PHL. In addition, floret wilting led to short PHL while floret browning was associated with long PHL.</jats:p>

Context‐dependency of resource allocation trade‐offs highlights constraints to the evolution of floral longevity in a monocarpic herb

“…In fact, current data on the heritability of floral longevity are derived solely from studies on species of horticultural interest (Verlinden, ). For example, horticultural studies have evaluated postharvest floral longevity, reporting estimates of narrow sense heritability ranging from 0.0 to 0.77 (Harding et al ., ; Krahl & Randle, ; van der Meulen‐Muisers et al ., ; Schroeder & Stimart, ). Fewer studies have explored the heritability of intact floral longevity, which would be more directly relevant to the evolution of floral longevity in wild species.…”

Comparison of Stomatal Density and Postharvest Transpiration between Long- and Short-lived Cut Flower Genotypes of Antirrhinum majus L.

“…Antirrhinum majus cut fl ower PHL is quantitatively inherited and infl uenced by environment (Schroeder and Stimart, 2001). Twenty-fi ve percent or more of observed PHL variability is at-tributable to fl oral senescence symptoms.…”

Early Generation Evaluation in Antirrhinum majus for Prediction of Cutflower Postharvest Longevity

“…(Heuser and Evensen, 1986), and members of the Proteaceae (Joyce and Beal, 1999). Genetic variance components, of greater immediate utility for improving PHL, have been reported in: A. majus (Schroeder and Stimart, 2001), Dendrobium cultivars (Bobisud and Kamemoto, 1982), Gerbera sp. (Muceniece et al, 1978;Wernett et al, 1996a), Lilium sp.…”

“…Analysis of A. majus PHL is based on lifecycle attributes of the species, genetic variability for PHL, and with the goal to extend PHL through breeding. Preliminary work in A. majus genetics revealed PHL as a readily manipulated, quantitative trait with significant additive and dominant genetic components (Schroeder, 1995(Schroeder, , 2000Schroeder and Stimart, 2001). Further, selection for PHL in A. majus is possible and F 1 hybrids may be of utility to maximize PHL (Schroeder, 2000).…”