Genetics of Fruits/Raceme in Cuphea procumbens

Abstract

<i>Cuphea </i>(Fam. Lythraceae) is main natural plant source of medium chain fatty acids (C8:0- C 14:0). <i>Cuphea procumbens </i>is rich source of capric acid (C10:0) and a study was made in this species to know the different genetic systems involved in the inheritance of fruits/ raceme following 6 parents half diallel in F₁ and F₂generations. The high value of dominance component (H1) accompanied with degree of dominance (H1/D)^0.5<i> </i>and graphical analysis indicated non additive gene action in both the generations. The difference of dominant components (H1-H2) is very close indicating the proportional distribution of positive and negative alleles at loci governing the fruits / raceme. Parents distributed around regression line on Wr-Vr graph in four distinct groups showing much diversity for this trait. On the basis of high <i>per se </i>and significant gca effect of parents NBC-03 and NBC-01 were found best in both the generations. In general hybrids viz: NBC-01 × NBC-03, NBC-01 × NBC-25 and NBC-03 × NBC-20 which had high mean performance also had significant sca effects and heterosis.