Scientist Study the Genetics of Peanut Yield using Mixed Model of Major Gene Plus Polygene

Xinyou Zhang of Zhejiang University, together with other researchers, conducted a genetic analysis of yield in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population with 215 lines derived from a cross between high-yielding lines Zheng8903 (female) and Yuhua No. 4 (male). The RILs population was exposed to three different environments. Jointly segregating analysis was used to investigate the genetics of yield in the combination Zheng8903×Yuhua No.4 using the method of major gene plus polygene mixed inheritance model.

Results showed that the best model of yield trait was two major genes plus polygenes mixed inheritance models, and its expression could be affected by different environments. The heritability of the major gene that confers yield trait was 71, 40, and 38% at Zhengzhou, Sanya, and Yuangyang, respectively. Based on the findings, the polygenes' effect must also be considered apart from the two major genes because it may contribute in breeding peanut with higher yield.

Read the abstract at http://www.academicjournals.org/AJB/abstracts/abs2011/20Jul/Zhang%20et%20al.htm.