Differences in Kernel Weights among Floret Positions and Spikelet Positions for Wheat Cultivars “Daichinominori” Bred in Kyushu, “Haruyutaka” Bred in Hokkaido and their F2 Progeny grown in Yamaguchi

Abstract

Wheat cultivar “Haruyutaka” bred in Hokkaido and “Daichinominori” bred in Kyushu and their F₁ hybrid were grown in Yamaguchi, and the kernel weight at different positions on the spikes was investigated. Haruyutaka had lighter kernels than Daichinominori at all positions throughout four successive seasons. All kernels in the first, second and third florets of Haruyutaka were lighter than those of Daichinominori, and the third floret kernel was particularly lighter than the first and second floret kernels in Haruyutaka. Daichinominori had heavy kernels even in the third floret in Yamaguchi. F₂ kernel weight was as heavy as those of Daichinominori and heavier than those of Haruyutaka. Among the F₂ kernels the third floret kernel was lighter than the first and second floret kernels, while its standard deviation on the third floret was larger than those of the first and second floret kernels. There would not be genetic segregation in F₂ kernel weight in the first and second florets.