Maternal Control of Oil Content in Oats (Avena Sativa L.)1

Abstract

Crossed and selfed groats from individual F1, F2, and parental plants of reciprocal oat (Avena sativa L.) crosses between the cultivars ‘Brave’ (approximately 7.5% oil) and ‘Garland’ (approximately 3.5% oil) were analyzed by NMR for oil content. The difference in NMR values between selfed and crossed groats produced on plants of Brave was nonsignificant. The difference between selfed and crossed groats produced on Garland was small but significant. NMR data from individual F1 and F2 plants showed that the similarity between crossed and selfed groats on the same panicle was due to maternal and not cytoplasmic effects. Selection for oil content among individual groats on the same plant would probably be ineffective in oats.