Improved Meiotic Index in Hexaploid Triticale (Triticosecale Wittmack)

Abstract

Triticale (Triticosecale Wittmack) is a material in evolution, consequently it carries typical reproductive problems of those individuals with two or more genomes in an unique cytoplasm and where the stabilization process is yet evolving. Grain yield, as final product, is attained through several biological steps where meiosis plays an essential role. To improve each reproductive step is nature and man common intention, however the plant breeder attention is focalized in fewer characters generally associated to the end of the reproductive process. The aim of the present research was to measure the associated changes for the meiotic index in an evolving triticale population selected disruptively for several agronomical traits. Significant differences between superior and inferior mean group values were observed for the grain yield per spike co-selected trait and the meiotic index co-responsive ones. The presence of significant mean differences for the meiotic index between superior and inferior groups, performed in accordance to a selection index constituted by several agronomical traits, suggests that is possible to obtain a positive effect on the meiotic index selecting for grain yield and its principal components. Consequently, the use of a selection index generated harmonious genotypes with respect to the cytological and grain yield triticale performance.