A vigorous new semidwarf line of oats (Avena saliva L.), designated as OT 207, was selected from OT 184 following irradiation of seed with 1,150 rads of fast neutrons. Because of the potential of a semidwarf oat, the genetics, cytology, and productivity of this new semidwarf were studied. The stature of OT 207 is controlled by a single dominant gene for which the symbol Dw‐6 has been assigned. Cytological observations showed that OT 207 contains 42 chromosomes and that meiosis and mitosis are normal. OT 207 is 34% shorter than its mother‐line. The height reduction is due to shorter internodes, particularly the peduncle. There is no change in the number of internodes. Lodging resistance and shattering resistance are superior to that of the check cultivars ‘Rodney’ and ‘Hudson.’Yield of this semidwarf relative to the check cultivars has been variable. Usually differences in yield were insignificant or OT 207 yielded significantly less. In 19/75, OT 207 yielded significantly more at a 15 cm than at a 30 cm row spacing, while the yield of Harmon’ was not significantly different at the two spacings. Genotype by row spacing interaction was significant. In 1976, both varieties gave significantly higher yields at a 114 kg/ha seeding rate than at a 57 kg/ha, while neither genotype, row spacing (15 cm vs. 30 cm) or interactions were significant.
GENETICS: K. MIKAELSEN 171 mutation rate with increasing dosage of fast neutrons appeared to be linear for sexlinked lethals, both with and without gross chromosomal aberrations; but the rate may not have been linear in the case of the autosomal visibles.
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