The Effect of Environment and Maternal Plant on Germination Traits of Sugar Beet Seeds and an Approach to Select the Superior Genotype

The growth environment of seed on maternal plant and genotype influence the qualitative traits of sugar beet seeds. The present study focused on the effect of environment and maternal plant on 1000-seed weight and seed germination traits in ten single crosses. The sugar beet single crosses were derived from the crosses of ten male sterile lines with a pollinator obtained from three locations including Ardabil, Firuzkuh, and Karaj. The study was performed in a randomized complete block design with four replication in 2014. Results of combined analysis showed that the effect of environment and genotype on 1000-seed weight and germination traits was significant. The environmental conditions that cause the increase in 1000-seed weight resulted in the loss of germination percentage and increased mean germination time (MGT). The interaction of environment and different maternal plants for seed germination rate showed that in addition to genetic diversity, seed production environment controls this trait. Therefore, the germination traits of sugar beet seed are formed on the maternal plant during seed development and maturing. The selection index of ideal genotype (SIIG) with respect to four germination traits was used to identify the best single crosses. The single crosses MS SB17*OT 231 and MS419*OT 231 with the highest SIIG value (0.554 and 0.496, respectively) were selected as the most qualified single crosses under normal laboratory conditions among all studied single crosses. Also, single crosses, MS 436*OT 231, MS 261*OT 231, MS 7112*OT 231 and MS SB37*OT 231 with the lowest SIIG value (0.3755, 0.352, 0.367 and 0.390, respectively) were found to be the single crosses with the lowest quality under normal laboratory conditions.

Automated summary

The growth environment and maternal plant genotype influence the qualitative traits of sugar beet seeds. The study shows significant effects of environment and genotype on 1000-seed weight and germination traits. In addition to genetic diversity, seed production environment also controls germination traits.