GENETIC-VARIABILITY AND THE INHERITANCE O F PLANT HEIGHT IN WHEAT GENOTYPES

The inheritance of plant height in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was st udied through the analysis of individual plants of parents and F1, F2 BC1F1 and BC2F1 generations in 14 crosses involving the tall genotype IAC5, the medium genotype IPF55244 and the short statured genotypes IP F55245, D8006, D8010 and D8017. The additive gene effects gave the hig hest contribution, though dominance showed importance in some crosses. The epistasis was detected on specific crosses. The parcial or comple te dominance of the tallest parent over the shortest one in each cross was evident, except these involving the IPF55245 and D8017 genotypes. The results showed a large genetic variability among the genotypes st udied and the following genetic constitution to them is suggested: IAC 5= AABB; IPF55244= AAb1b1; IPF55245= aab1b1; D8006= a1a1bb; D8010= a2a 2b1b1, D8017 aab1b1.