Genetic variation for nitrate concentration in Nicotiana tabacum L. [Tobacco]

Genetic variation for nitrate concentration was examined in replicated field plots of 32 tobacco varieties representing a diverse sample of the Nicotiana tabacum germplasm. Two low, two intermediate, and two high nitrate cultivars were crossed in a diallel mating design without reciprocals. Highly s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of heredity 1983-11, Vol.74 (6), p.431-434
Main Authors: Ostrem, J.A, Collins, G.B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Nicotiana tabacum
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Summary:Genetic variation for nitrate concentration was examined in replicated field plots of 32 tobacco varieties representing a diverse sample of the Nicotiana tabacum germplasm. Two low, two intermediate, and two high nitrate cultivars were crossed in a diallel mating design without reciprocals. Highly significant general and specific combining ability mean squares were obtained for lamina nitrate concentration indicating that nitrate concentration in N. tabacum is significantly influenced by both additive and nonadditive gene action. Variation in nitrate accumulation was postulated to be due to genotypic differences in 1) structural characteristics modifying light penetration into the canopy, 2) in vivo nitrate reductase activity, and 3) uptake and translocation of nitrate to the lamina. Highly significant positive correlations were found between lamina nitrate concentration, total leaf area, and average area per leaf. Lamina nitrate concentration was not significantly correlated with in vivo nitrate reductase activity. Vascular nitrate concentration appeared to contribute to variation in lamina nitrate concentration. The results of this study indicate that nitrate accumulation in N. tabacum can be attributed to an interaction of genotypic differences in nitrate uptake, leaf size, and nitrate reduction and utilization.
ISSN:0022-1503
1465-7333
DOI:10.1093/oxfordjournals.jhered.a109831