Phenotypic variability of an induced mutant of annual chrysanthemum

Abstract

Variable expressivity of a mutant gene determining tubular flower form in annual chrysanthemum results in phenotypic variation approaching a continuous pattern. The analysis shows that this variability is primarily conditioned by variable genotypic background of the individual plants although environmental factors are also involved. It is suggested that regulation of phenotypic expressivity of qualitative genetic potentialities can lead to a pattern of continuous variation characteristic of the quantitative traits.