Genetic analysis of cold hardiness in peas (pisum sativum L.)

Four pea lines as female parents (Carina, Sprinter, Cosmos, Manuel) were crossed with three male tester parents (B1, B6 and B12) and 12 F1 hybrids and 12 F2 populations were evaluated in Konya, during 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 growing seasons. General and specific combiners suitable for use inbreeding programmes were identified from a linextester cross in peas. Although several genetic studies have been conducted, there is not a general consensus as the made gene action controlling the expression of winter hardiness in pea. The inheritance of cold hardiness was controlled mainly by non- additive gene action. Sprinter and B12 were good general combiners for cold hardiness. The best specific combiners were Sprinter× B1 for cold hardiness. The average level of heterosis and heterobeltiosis for winter hardiness in F2 population was low that in F1 hybrids. Broad sense heritability was high due to the major role of environmental factors in expression of winter hardiness in pea. Thus, delay selection was suggested for breeding of winter resistance. © 2010 Academic Journals Inc.