Generation mean anausis of root growth under aluminium-stress hydroponics in the soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Abstract

There are vast areas in the tropics which are limited in their use by mineral stresses such as aluminium and low available nutrients. The grain crops shall be further adapted if breeding programmes include identification and use of the genetic factors to these hindrances. Three soybean families originated from crosses, selfing and backcrosses among the varieties IAC-2, IAC-7, IAC-9 and Biloxi were used in scaling tests to identify their genetic differences to aluminium tolerance by evaluating root growth in Al-stress hydroponics. The results indicated that this is a polygene trait with predominantly additive effects. However, the epistatic effect is also present and should be taken into account in a breeding programme. Recurrent selection is feasible because the method is non-destructive and selected individuals can be advanced for progeny testing and crossing.