Inheritance Analysis of Linoleic Acid Content in Half Diallel Maize Populations

Abstract

In the last few years, the analysis of fatty acids has gained importance because of their nutritional and health implications. This increased attention led to a half dialell crossing design study during 2006 and 2007 seasons in Edirne -Turkey conditions. In this study, 28 F1 maize hybrids were obtained by 8x8 half diallel crossing. In half -diallel maize population, inheritance of linoleic acid content in grains and combining ability were investigated. Mean squares of inbred lines and hybrids were highly significant for all studies traits, indicating the genetic variance among lines. This study examined inheritance of linoleic acid which is an important unsaturated fatty acid for potential health benefits. Therefore, linoleic acid content and inheritance in maize oil was investigated in this research. The linoleic acid content in grain was under the dominance gene effect. Also linoleic acid content was affected by additive gene effects.