Euphytica (2016) 209, 507-523
Tim Vleugels, B. Ceuppens, G. Cnops, P. Lootens, F.R.D. van Parijs, G. Smagghe and I. Roldan-Ruiz (2016)
Models with only two predictor variables can accurately predict seed yield in diploid and tetraploid red clover
Euphytica 209 (2), 507-523
Abstract: Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a
valuable protein-rich forage crop, but poor seed yields
are often a setback, especially in tetraploid varieties.
Published work on factors underlying seed yield report
contradictory or (sometimes) inconclusive results. Here
we report on the effect of 10 traits related to seed yield
and flowering on seed yield in 600 genotypes from 15
diploid and 15 tetraploid cultivars from diverse origins.
Multiple linear regression (MLR) models indicated that
the variation in seed number per plant was well
explained by (1) the number of ripe flower heads per
plant and (2) the seed number per ripe flower head in
diploids (R²= 0.953) and tetraploids (R² = 0.919).
Flower color was not significantly related to seed yield,
and corolla tube dimensions were not (or only border-
line) significantly related to seed yield. The applicabil-
ity of our models to predict seed yield was validated on
the same set of plants in the following harvest year, and
on a totally different dataset available from Vleugels
et al. (Plant Breed 134:56–61, 2015). In the 600-plant
dataset and the separate Vleugels et al. dataset, the
diploid model explained 94.8 and 53.2 %, respectively,
and the tetraploid model explained 88.1 and 64.9 %,
respectively, of the variation in seed yield. Our models
can therefore predict seed yield with good to fair
accuracy in red clover plants grown under various
conditions. Breeders can increase seed yield by select-
ing plants that have numerous ripe flower heads and a
high seed number per head. Flower color and corolla
tube dimensions can be excluded as breeding targets.
(The abstract has been supplied by the author or ISPI and is excluded from the Creative Commons licence.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Tim Vleugels, Guy Smagghe
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
Pest and/or beneficial records:
| Beneficial | Pest/Disease/Weed | Crop/Product | Country | Quarant.
|
|---|
