Combining ability of genotypes of red clover with regard to summer productivity

Galina Naydenova

Abstract: To determine the general combining ability of six genotypes of red clover (Nika 11 variety – genotype No. 1 in this study; four local populations with numbers of 2 to 5, respectively; one breeding population – No. 6) with regard to productivity in summer regrowth, the characteristics of the polycross progeny - half-sib families of elite plants from each genotype were evaluated in a field trial carried out in the period of 2012-2014 in the Soybean Experimental Station of Pavlikeny. There were significant differences between the families in yield of dry forage mass at grazing ripeness in spring growth, summer and autumn regrowth. Аccording to the results of the variance analysis, the genotypic effect (the effect of the family) was significant for all three cuts formed in summer conditions. According to the average characteristics of the families in the three-year study, higher combining value with regard to summer productivity was observed for genotypes 1, 2 and 6. For the regrowth in July and August, the phenotypic variance of dry matter yield was due predominately to a genotypic variance. The effect of genotype-environment interactions on the phenotypic value of the trait was insignificant and the selection for phenotypic value of the trait in this period can be successfully used for efficient breeding. On the basis of the observed highest average values for late summer and autumn productivity, the adapted local population, from which the genotype No. 2 originates, can be defined as a valuable breeding source.

Keywords: general combining ability; productivity; red clover

Date published: 2019-04-11