The use of double haploids for detecting linkage and pleiotropy between quantitatively varying characters in spring barley

Abstract

SUMMARYThe relationships between pairs of characters are investigated using F1 and F2 derived doubled haploids as well as single seed descent lines from spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) crosses. It is shown that linkage disequilibrium and pleiotropy are factors affecting the relationship between characters in barley. In fact, the linkages found are in general in the coupling phase and pleiotropy is usually positive. The consequences of such relations for plant breeding are discussed.