HERITABILITY OF SEED YIELD COMPONENTS AND SOME VISUALLY EVALUATED CHARACTERS IN REED CANARYGRASS
Heritability estimates were obtained for the three principal components of seed yield in reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.): seed shattering, seed weight per panicle, and number of panicles per plant. The heritability estimates were based on Lush’s progeny–parent regression method using data from 32 clones and their open-pollination progenies. Estimates were 91% for seed shattering, 74% for seed weight per panicle, 70% for number of panicles per plant, and 36% for theoretical net yield. Four visually evaluated characters had estimated heritabilities of 81% for spring vigor, 67% for growth habit, 88% for panicle color, and 81% for panicle type.Phenotypic correlations were calculated between all pairs of characters studied, using clonal means. Seed yield was found to be significantly correlated with shattering percentage and seed weight per panicle but not with number or panicles per plant. Low shattering was associated with low spring vigor, few panicles per plant, and upright growth habit. Shattering percentage was not significantly correlated with seed weight per panicle.