A comparison of cytoplasmic and chemically-induced male sterility systems for hybrid seed production in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

摘要

A comparison of two male sterility systems was carried out in wheat for hybrid seed production and hybrid performance. Seventeen hybrid combinations based on Triticum timopheevi cytoplasm were compared with their genetically equivalent CHA-facilitated combinations. The same set of restorer lines was used as parents in CMS- and CHA-based hybrids to maintain genetic equivalence. In the first experiment aimed at study of female line behavior and crossed seed production, the CHA treated lines showed significantly shorter heights whereas CMS lines were similar to the control. The two systems were equally effective in sterilizing rate. The outcrossing percentage of the CMS lines was almost twice that of the CHA treated lines. Thousand-grain weight of the crossed seeds on CMS lines was greater than on the CHA treated lines and control. On average, the germination percentage of seeds on CMS lines was double that of the CHA treated lines and the percentage of effective outcrossed seeds in CMS lines was 3 times more than that from CHA treated lines. The second experiment was conducted to examine the yield performance of the hybrids derived from the two systems of male sterility. A total of 40 entries including 20 hybrids and 20 parents were evaluated in the experiment. The mean grain yield of the CMS-based hybrids was greater than that of the CHA-based hybrids,the B and R lines. All the CMS-based hybrids showed significantly higher grain yields than their better parents whereas all the CHA-based hybrids, except two,showed no significant yield increases over their better parents. Possible reasons for differences in CMS- and CHA-based hybrid performance are discussed.