Herbicide resistance enriched hybrid and synthetic seed production and performance in Brassica rapa

Abstract

Transgenic, dominant herbicide resistance, such as provided by the BX gene in turnip rape ('Brassica rapa') provides an opportunity to explore new methods of hybrid and synthetic seed production in this self-incompatible, obligate out-crossing crop. Utilization of the herbicide resistance in one parent used in the crosses to make hybrid or synthetic seed lots permits the hybrid enrichment of the seed lots at the one leaf stage via an application of the herbicide. This approach was used to produce hybrid and synthetic seed lots in 'B. rapa'. Two 'B. rapa' lines, SW03375, susceptible to the herbicide and MBRR195, resistant to the herbicide, were used as parents in this study. SW03375 was used as the female parent while MBRR195 was used as the male parent. Row ratios of 1:1, 2:2 and 3:3 female:male rows were used in hybrid seed production trials grown in 6 environments over 2 years. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)