Selection for seed set capacity uncorrelated with flower heteromorphism inPrimula vulgaris Hudson

Within-line pollinations were used when measuring the seed set of plants fr om seven early generation inbred lines of Primula vulgaris. One high seed s etting plant and one low seed setting one were selected from each line and the seed set was evaluated on the offspring from selfings and within-line p ollinations of these plants. Regression of offspring on parents for seed se t was studied. The slope was estimated to be 0.17 +/- 0.08, equivalent to a n estimated heritability of around 34%. No significant differences in the s lope of regression between the two reproduction methods (selfings or within -line pollinations) were detected. The realized improvement through one cyc le of selection of high seed setting single plants in this early generation inbred material of P. vulgaris was 23.7%. Analysis of the seed set of with in-line pollinated clones from late generation inbred lines of P. vulgaris revealed that only limited within-line variation remained after removal of the effects of the heteromorphic incompatibility system. It was concluded t hat selection of high seed setting single plants during early generations o f inbreeding is efficient for improvement of seed set in future inbred line s of P. vulgaris to be used for hybrid seed production.