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The most important theoretical problems of the mixed Shukla’s model and a joint regression model called Eberhart-Russell-Shukla model (E-R-S model) — (Piepho, 1999) are presented in this paper. Rather simple and efficient estimators and tests for parameters of the models are shown for a case of complete genotype*environment classification. Genotypic means and other parameters of the models, called stability measures, are considered. In the Shukla’s model a  stability variance (σ2i) is stability measure and in the joint regression model E-R-S, stability measures are regression coefficient (bi or bi), residual variance (σ2d(i) and σ2δ(i)) as well as determination coefficient (R2 i). The given estimators of these stability measures in the models have been obtained using MINQUE method in Shukla’s model (1972) or ordinary approximated minimum least squares method (OALS) in the E-R-S model (Eberhart and Russell, 1966; Shukla, 1972; Mądry, 2002). These tools are useful only for data in balanced (complete) two-way genotype × environment classifications. Tests F, both usual and approximated ones, are recommended for testing hypothesis on stability measures in the models. The statistical tools in Shukla’s model have optimal properties. The tools for all considered stability parameters in the E-R-S model could be almost optimal if the number of genotypes would be large and environmental variance σ2e would seriously dominate variances of all other random effects in the model (Piepho, 1998; Mądry, 2002). These conditions are usually fulfilled in practice. The considerations in the paper and in literature show that the models, both Shukla’s and E-R-S ones could be useful in a study on stability and adaptation of genotypes in variety trials.

The aim of the paper is application of statistical procedures, given in the first part of the paper, to stability and adaptation analysis of spring wheat genotypes using grain yield data obtained in a multilocation series of variety trials. In the series 25 genotypes were tested in 10 locations. These genotypes were divided into some groups including stable genotypes, genotypes widely adapted, as well as intensive, extensive and irregular genotypes. It was been proven that the joint regression analysis was less effective in explaining variability of interaction effects. However, it allowed studying unstable response of grain yield of genotypes to environmental conditions in locations of a target region. The Shukla’s mixed model and the mixed E-R-S model, together with their statistical tools, could be efficient approaches, like Scheffe-Caliński’s models, in solution of typical problems appearing in crop breeding and testing of genotypes.

An approximate test for homogeneity of coefficients of variation given by Bennett (1976) is described. The approximate Z statistic for testing the null hypothesis of homogeneity for k coefficients of variation is proposed. It is approximately distributed as c2 with (k-1) degrees of freedom. Additional information concerning usefulness of the Z test in different practical situations, obtained on the basis of simulation study, is also given.

The aim of the paper was to present an application and usefulness of sequential yield component analysis (SYCA) using an example on determination of fruit yield variability among blackcurrant plants. The following plant determinants of yield were considered (in the ontogenetic order): average number of one-year-old shoots, average length of one-year-old shoots, flowering time, spring frost damage of flowers and average weight of 100 berries. It was proved that sequential yield component analysis is a useful method in studies of relationships between fruit yield per plant of blackcurrant and its determinants which develop in an ontogenetic order. This method could be more suitable in such cases than the linear multiple regression analysis and path analysis. Similar conclusions could be given for other crops, both agricultural and horticultural ones. Description of blackcurrant plant fruit yield variability by its determinants using the proposed method could be important for crop physiology and for breeding directed towards fruit yield.

The paper presents numerical comparison of two methods of estimation of the additive gene action effect. In the first method we assume that we observe only the plant phenotype, while in the second method we have additional information from the molecular markers observations. In this paper we analysed phenotypic data from 90 experiments on 150 barley doubled haploid lines and data concerning 223 molecular markers (data from the North American Barley Genome Mapping Project). In most of the considered experiments we observed that the additive effect calculated on the basis of the marker observations underestimates the total additive effect obtained from phenotypic observations only. We observed a large range of results of the relative comparison of the presented estimation methods.

The paper presents a multivariate approach to estimation of susceptibility of barley doubled haploids (DH) to fusarium head blight caused by Fusarium culmorum. Material for the study involved 15 hulled and 15 hulless DH lines and two parental forms: RK63/1 (hulled) and 1N86 (hulless). Number of grains per ear, grain weight per ear, 1000-grain weight and plump kernels were observed and analyzed. The multivariate two-factor analysis of variance and related multivariate methods were applied. The results of the analysis of variance were used to estimate contrasts between the both groups of DH lines (hulled and hulless) and parental forms. The comparison of particular DH lines with the “better” parental form RK63/1, and the use of Mahalanobis distance as a measure of multivariate transgression effect permitted to distinguish transgressive lines differed from the parental ones in regard to the reduction of all yield traits treated jointly.

Methods of numerical taxonomy were applied for classification of genetic parameters m, [d], [h], [i], [j], [l] as well as for cluster analysis of hybrid taxa of tetraploid wheats. Clustering of objects was made at the level of cophenetic correlation > 0.90. Transformations of scale did not improve distinctly the efficacy of the used methods. The parameters m are set in a separate cluster. Distribution of parameters within the 3D-space shows special genetic nature of epiblast. Relationships within pairs of genetic parameters, i.e. [h]–[i] and [d]–[l] show that overdominance and non-allelic overinteractions control the expression of embryo characters. Presentation of taxa within a space of minimum-length spanning tree exhibits separation of reciprocal hybrid pairs in two groups of the maternal-paternal Triticum carthlicum origin. Neighbour-joining dendrogram sets apart a group of hybrids of T. carthlicum and T. dicoccoides origin. This is an evidence of genetic peculiarity of endemic Persian wheat as well as wild emmer within group of tetraploids studied.

The aim of this work was to search for potential molecular markers linked with the recessive dwarfness ds1 gene in rye, with the aid of the AFLP technique in combination with the Bulk Segregant Analysis (BSA) method. Over 22 thousand DNA fragments were identified — differentiating inbred lines of extreme phenotypes (8/40K — dwarfness and 8/40N — control) as well as the segregating population DWSK-1F2, using 239 selective primer pairs for restrictases EcoRI/Mse1. Next, the presence of common markers for the tested parental forms and F2 offsprings as well as parental forms of the mapping population DS2 and RXL10 was analyzed, which enabled reduction of the number of used starter pairs to 68. Further analysis of a narrowed segregating population (DWSK-1F2), consisting of 21 plants, limited the amount of primer pairs to 51.88 markers linked with the dwarfness gene were obtained, which segregated with theratio of 3:1 for χ2 = 0.50 at p = 0.01. They were tested again for 15 starter pairs on the mapping population. For 13 differentiating bands, the segregation of 3:1 was observed and these DNA fragments were classified as dominant AFLP markers linked with the researched dwarfness gene in rye. In the future the identified AFLP markers will be tested on a wider segregated population with the aim of transfering them to the existing genetic map of rye.

The aim of this study was to detect genetic similarity among cultivars of winter barley using RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) method. RAPD polymorphism was studied in eight winter barley cultivars: Marinka, Gil, Tramp, Kroton, Tiffany, Horus, Kos and Sigra. Twenty-four 10-mer primers were tested in each cultivar. 172 amplification products were observed, from which 115 were polymorphic. Genetic similarity was estimated according to the formula given by Nei and then these results were used for the hierarchical grouping of cultivars. Results of hierarchical grouping were presented on the dendrogram. The highest genetic similarity was revealed between the cultivars Tiffany and Horus, and Marinka and Kos, whereas the lowest genetic similarity was found for Kroton and Tiffany, and Kroton and Sigra.

Thirteen genotypes of hexaploid (2n = 6x = 42; AABBHchHch) tritordeum and two genotypes of octoploid (2n = 8x = 56; AABBDDHchHch) tritordeum were analysed. These genotypes were sown in 1999, 2000 and 2001 in spring with check varieties of spring wheat Sandra and Saxana. They were sown also as winter forms in 1999/00 and 2001/02 with check varieties of winter wheat Astella and Brea, and winter donors of high protein content, Nap Hal, Atlas 66 and Lancota. Tritordeum stands were not damaged due to mild winter. Spring crops produced average yields as follows: 6x tritordeum 1.99 t×ha-1, 8x tritordeum 0.98 t×ha-1, Sandra 6.75 t×ha-1, and Saxana 6.85 t×ha-1. Tritordeum sown in spring matured late and non-uniformly because of a perennial character of original H. chilense. There was a natural occurrence of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) in most tested genotypes of tritordeum sown in spring, which evidences a higher percentage of open flowering. Winter crops produced average yields as follows: 6x tritordeum 2.97 t×ha-1, 8x tritordeum 1.88 t×ha-1, Astella 8.78 t×ha-1, and Brea 7.45 t×ha-1. A mild course of the winter did not damage tritordeum stands sown in autumn, vernalisation effect limited problems with late maturing. Higher yields produced by tritordeum sown in autumn suggest that it would be useful to develop winter forms for Central-European conditions. Higher field resistance to leaf rust and leaf blotches was found in tritordeum vs. check varieties. Protein content in tritordeum sown in spring was on average in 6x forms 19.6%, in 8x 19.0%, in the varieties Sandra and Saxana 14.1%; in tritordeum sown in autumn in 6x forms 19.2%, 8x forms 18.9%, in the wheat varieties Astella 10.2% and Brea 11.9%. It was also higher than in known donors of high protein content (Nap Hal — 17.5%, Atlas 66 — 17.0%, Lancota — 16.3%). A slightly higher content of essential amino acids (Lys, Phe, Val, Leu, Ile, Met and Thr) was assessed in grain dry weight of tritordeum. It is interesting that highly significantly higher content of cystine (Cys-Cys) amino acid was found in both spring and autumn sown crops. A lower loaf volume in hexaploid tritordeum in comparison with bread wheat suggests that this crop will be used rather for feeding purposes. A high content of carotenoides in tritordeum caused yellow coloration of flour and bread-crumb. Wider use of winter forms of tritordeum, if they were developed, is assumed. Potential use of tritordeum under conditions of Central Europe is discussed.

The paper attempts to characterize locations taking part in the pre-registration trials with winter wheat in the years 1999–2001. The following parameters were taken into account: average yield of genotypes, coefficient of variation of genotypic means, correlation coefficient of genotypic means with the marginal means from all experiments and the contribution of the environment to the total interaction. Large variability of the computed characteristics over different series of experiments (years) is shown. This variability causes difficulties in a simple classification of locations with respect to their value for genotype testing.

Seven different lines derived from the following cultivars of winter wheat: Oregon, Jawa, CWW-3547/56, Longbow, Regina, Hana, Norman were crossed in half-diallel design. Gene action for 10 quantitative characters was determined by the analyses of Hayman and Jinks. Line Longbow caused epistatic gene action in inheritance of plant height, Oregon of productive tillering, CWW of grain number per spike and 1000 grain weight, Norman of grain weight per ear. When the above lines were removed, the additive-dominance model was adequate. Partial dominance was involved in the inheritance of plant height, productive tillering, ear length, number of grains per spike, ear density, grain weight per spike, grain weight per plant and 1000 grain weight. Over-dominance of genes increased grain weight per mean spike and grain number per spike.

The stability of 9 winter wheat varieties was investigated in the region of Lower Silesia (Poland) in the years 1999–2001. The yields of six environments, diverse in regard to soil conditions, were compared in the standard and intensive variants of cultivation. The intensive variant, in comparison with the standard one, differed by a 40 kg/ha higher level of nitrogen fertilisation, a complete chemical protection against fungal diseases, application of anti-lodging agents, and foliar feeding of plants with a multi-component preparation. In both the intensive and standard variants, the varieties Kobra and Jawa showed higher yields than the remaining ones. The high stability of Jawa in the intensive variant indicates that this genotype should be recommended for cultivation in Lower Silesia. The intensive variant promotes high yields in the varieties, particularly on soils of very good and good wheat complexes. In the standard variant the yields of varieties in the analysed environments were less diverse than in the intensive variant of cultivation. The considerable differences in yields in some of the localities suggest the need of testing new varieties in many environments, because of the significant genotype × environment interaction.

Diallel analysis was applied for plant height, no. of ears/plant, no. of grains/ear, 1000 grain weight and grain yield/plant. Graphical analysis revealed non-allelic interaction and overdominance in the inheritance of no. ears/plant, 1000 grain weight and grain yield/plant. Plant height and no. of grains/ear were determined by partial dominance. Recessive genes were associated with high expression of grain yield/plant and no. of grains/ear, whereas plant height appeared to be inherited as a dominant character.

The studies on variability, heritability and relationships between frost resistance and some traits in winter wheat (yield, days to heading and to maturity, resistance to powdery mildew, leaf rust and other leaf diseases) were carried out in the years 1997–1998. The variation coefficient, heritability (H) as well as phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficients between the studied traits were computed. The heritability coefficient of frost resistance was intermediate (H = 0.48). The correlation coefficients, both genotypic and phenotypic ones between the analyzed traits were in general non-significant, except for resistance to powdery mildew. Because of the lack of relationship between frost resistance and the remaining traits, the selection for the trait should be conducted independently.

Seven cultivars of spring wheat were evaluated in post-registration trials in Lower Silesia. The trials were conducted at four sites (Głubczyce, Kobierzyce, Tarnów and Tomaszów Bolesławiecki). The recently registered cultivars: Eta, Jasna, Torka, Helia, Hezja, Nawra and Opatka were grown at two variants of cultivation: standard and intensive. The intensive variant, in comparison with the standard one, differed by a 40 kg/ha higher level of nitrogen fertilisation, application of anti-lodging chemicals, foliar feeding of plants with microelements and complete control of fungal diseases. Statistical analysis was carried out according to computer program Sergen 3. Three-year investigations have shown that the cultivars Jasna and Nawra were the best yieldes Jasna being more stable than Nawra. Torka, a cultivar of excellent baking quality was the poorest yielder of low stability.

The studied material consisted of 10 cultivars of spring wheat: Alkora, Banti, Eta, Henika, Hera, Igna, Ismena, Jota, Omega and Sigma. Two irradiation methods (laser He–Ne light, power 15 mW) were used. Tests of germination energy, germination capacity, quantitative characters of seedlings: root, coleoptile and first leaf length, were evaluated under laboratory conditions, on control and irradiated materials. Fresh and dry weight of roots and first leafs were also determined. The results of experiments were analysed statistically, Duncan test was applied in order to form homogeneous groups. Significant increase in germination energy and germination capacity was observed only for materials stored for several years and characterized by low values of these parameters. For other seedling characters, different responses to the applied methods and irradiation doses were observed.

A two — factor experiment with three replications (in randomised complete block design) was conducted under laboratory conditions. Two methods and different doses of laser light were used. The material consisted of 10 spring wheat cultivars (Alkora, Banti, Eta, Henika, Hera, Igna, Ismena, Jota, Omega, Sigma), 3 winter triticale cultivars (Bogo, Presto, Tornado) and 1 spring form of triticale (Migo). It was found that pre-sowing laser biostimulation caused significant increase in sowing value parameters. Changes in biometrical characters of both wheat and triticale cultivars were also observed.

The multiplication of two triticale varieties was carried out in the years 1998–2000. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th generations and the control (initial material sown evry year) were investigated. The following features were determined: percentage of sprouted seeds, weight of thousand seeds, test weight, number of seeds per one gram, accuracy and geometric features: lenght, width and thickness of a kernel. The presence of sprouted seeds depended on a year of harvest, in particular on temperature and rainfall during the maturation time. No correlation was found between the presence of sprouted seeds and generation, geometric features of kernels, weight of 1000 seeds, test weight and accuracy.

The examined material consisted of a population of 565 varieties and strains of winter triticale analysed over the years 1982–1990 in a four-year-cycle of one-replicated field experiments. Stability parameters were established for the following features: plant height, number and weight of grain per spike, 1000 grain weight and total protein content in grain, in accordance with the methodology prepared by Eberhart and Russel (1996). Each genotype in the presented study was assessed on the basis of the average value of the feature, the regression coefficient (bi), and the mean- square of deviation from regression (S2di). The reaction of the genotypes over the years was interpreted by means of the linear regression of the analysed objects in relation to the environmental effects; it has been presented in the system of coordinates referring to the mean values of the genotypes (yij) and their regression coefficients (bi). The applied analysis of regression enables the choice of genotypes in which the average value in years is high for a particular feature an does not change much in cultivation years. The examined population of winter triticale has been characterised by a great variety of genotypes, both in relation to the analysed features and to the reaction to changing weather conditions over the years of study. The genotypes with a high and stable level of important features such as weight of grain per spike, weight of 1000 grains or protein content in grain prove to be valuable. Therefore they can become a precious starting material for breeding of varieties characterized by steady yield and good quality.

The aim of the investigation was to determine whether pre-sowing laser biostimulation affects α-amylase activity in seeds. Material consisted of three tricicale cultivars: Migo (spring form), Presto and Tornado (winter forms). In the control and irradiated grains (semi-conducted laser light) α-amylase activity was determined after 24, 48 and 72 hours. In all the triticale cultivars the influence of laser biostimulation was manifested after 72 hours, when significant increase in α-amylase activity was observed in the irradiated grains. Reaction of triticale cultivars to laser radiation was differentiated.

The object of the studies constituted 12 cultivars of winter triticale, 3 cultivars of spring triticale and two cultivars of parental species: rye Dańkowskie Złote and wheat Begra. The seeds were obtained from the breeders: Plant Breeding „Danko” and Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Experimental Station in Małyszyn. Genotype differences were determined on the basis of SDS-PAGE electrophoresis of storage proteins. The results of experiments showed that among the tested triticale cultivars there were differences in: the number and weight of polypeptides and polypeptide patterns in particular fractions and the origin of both parental species. The number of polypeptides on triticale electrophoregrams was more similar to rye than to wheat. Rye bands were observed in three protein fractions (HMW, g75 and g40) in all or almost all cultivars of triticale depending on the fraction. The polypeptide originating from wheat was visible in two of triticale cultivars: winter Mundo and spring Wanad. Similarity between the examined genotypes was 57.1–94.3%. Gabo and Wanad were found to be the most similar genetically. Gabo differed from Wanad by the lack of the bands of 74.7 and 31.7 kDa in g75 and g40 fractions and by the lack of an additional band of 14.2 kDa, typical for the Begra wheat.

Five traits: culm length, ear length, grain number and weight per ear as well as 1000 grain weight for parents and 15 hybrids in F1, F2 and F3 generations were analyzed, in experiments carried out using the method of randomized blocks. The hybrids were obtained by crosses performed according to a factorial mating design of three females (cvs. Pinokio, Tewo, Presto) and five males (cvs. LAD 794, Marko, Prado, MAH 2296, Tornado). The magnitude of general and specific combining ability variances indicates that both additive and nonadditive gene effects play a role in the inheritance of the traits under study. For most traits the general combining ability was higher than the specific combining ability. The highest coefficients of a narrow sense heritability were obtained in F1 for 1000 grain weight and in F2 for grain number per ear. Coefficients of narrow-sense heritability in almost allcases were lower than the broad sense ones, which indicates that in determining these traits a considerable role is played by nonadditive gene effects.

The 3rd generation of pre-basic seed of winter triticale varieties Bogo and Presto was obtained in three locations (Lublin, Olsztyn and Sandomierz). Seeds of initial material stored in Gene Bank were sown as a control. The third generation of seeds and samples from Gene Bank were examined. The electrophoresis of prolamins and glutenins was performed for seeds collected in each location. The prolamins were extracted from singular seeds and from bulk samples (50 grains milled together). The glutenins were extracted only form singular seeds. It was confirmed that triticale seed storage proteins are heterogenous. Presto was uniform in its electrophoretic patterns of both gliadins and glutenins. Bogo was uniform only in its electrophoretic pattern of glutenin. The both varieties were stable in their electrophoretic patterns, independently on location of reproduction. After three years of reproduction the both examined varieties were identical by gliadin and glutenin patterns to the initial material.

The vigour of seeds with sprouting damage stored for 8 and 20 months was examined. The vigour evaluated on the basis of germinability, length of the first leaf and length of the longest root, and electrical conductivity values of leachates, decreased simultaneously with an increase in sprouting damage. Germinability of seeds stored for 8 months ranged from 41 to 76%, while in the case of seeds stored for 20 months it dropped below 10%. The length and dry matter of the first leaf and the longest root showed a similar tendency. Electrical conductivity of leachates increased as sprouting damage and storage time increased. Coefficients of correlation between values of the vigour indices, calculated individually for every degree of sprouting damage, assumed significant and increasing values for seeds with greater sprouting damage, and for seeds with evident sprouting they ranged from -0.790** to 0.987**. For control seeds there was no significant correlation between the values of electrical conductivity and the other vigour indices.

The combining ability was analyzed for 12 spring barley cultivars and strains in respect of wort viscosity, total protein content of grain and fine grind extract, basing on the F5 generation derived from crosses made in the years 1996–1998. The analysis of variance proved high significance of mean squares for all the traits. The effects of parental forms and effects of crossing were analyzed. A higher influence was shown for cross combination than for the parents themselves for wort viscosity, total protein content of grain and fine grind extract. Basing on the results, the group of varieties was shown, which transmitted well the characters to progeny, and the prospective cross combinations were selected.

The studies on heritability and relationships between some traits in triticale (plant height, days to heading, preharvest sprouting, falling number, sedimentation value, total protein content and days to flowering) were carried out in the years 1996–1999. The heritability (H) and variation coefficients of the investigated traits and genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficient between the studied traits were computed. Generally the heritability coefficients were high. The correlation coefficients, both genotypic and phenotypic ones between the analysed traits were significant, being negative in case of plant height, and days to flowering in relation to remained traits.

Nine cultivars of winter barley were evaluated in post-registration trials in Lower Silesia. The trials were conducted at five sites (Głubczyce, Krościna Mała, Pawłowice k/Wrocławia, TarnĂłw and TomaszĂłw Bolesławiecki) in the years 1999-2001. The recently registered cultivars: Borwina, Gil, Gregor, Horus, Kos, Kroton, Sigra, Tiffany and Tramp were grown at two variants of cultivation: standard and intensive. The intensive variant, in comparison with the standard one, differed by a 40 kg/ha higher level of nitrogen fertilisation, application of anti-lodging chemicals, foliar feeding of plants with microelements and complete control of fungal diseases. Statistical analysis was carried out according to the computer program Sergen 3 for a series of experiments. The three-years investigation has shown a significant differentiation of yields and genotype × environments interaction in the both variants of cultivation. The cultivars Gregor and Gil were the best yielder, but with  of low stability of the yields.

The object for the performed studies constituted two- and six- rowed DH lines of barley obtained from F2 progeny with the use of Hordeum bulbosum method. Before haploid productions the grains were treated with laser light and chemomutagen — MNU. The lines obtained without treatment constituted the control combination. The analysis of yield structure parameters from three years field trails indicated that extreme values, coefficient of variability and variance were higher for the DH lines derivated from the mutagenic treatment. It indicates on broader genetic variability of traits in DH lines with the treatment and appearance of additional variability as result of chemomutagen activity.

In the paper estimates of gene effects are presented for barley morphological and physical traits and their interaction with environments. Material for the studies constituted barley doubled haploid (DH) lines derived from a cross between hulled line RK63/1 and naked breeding line 1N86. DH lines along with their parental genotypes and F1, F2 hybrids were examined in a 3-year experiment conducted under field conditions. The following traits were observed: length and diameter of stem, stem wall thickness, stem elasticity and lodging grade. On the basis of the data obtained for each year as well as for means over three years effects of additive, dominance and epistatic gene action were estimated and their interaction with environments (years) were tested. For all the studied traits additive effects and their interaction with environments revealed to be significant. Dominance effects were significant for stem length and stem wall thickness and their interaction with environments was important for stem length only. The results presented in this paper indicate that effects of homozygous loci are less stable than heterozygous loci effects in various environmental conditions.

Seed of two barley cultivars: Maresi (two-rowed) and Klimek (six-rowed) was subjected to mutagenic treatment with N-nitroso-N-methylurea (MNU). The M1 plants were crossed with Hordeum bulbosum and after 14 days the unripened embryos were cultured in vitro until DH plants were obtained. Among the plants mutant genotypes were selected, propagated and used in field experiments during three years. The statistical parameters (means, extremes, coefficients of variation) for the yield structure components showed significantly higher variability among the DH mutants as compared to their initial forms. In the group of two-rowed barleys, the highest significance contrasts between Maresi and its mutants were recorded for the semi-dwarf mutants M53 and M50. These forms were additionally more resistant to lodging and their ripening time was similar to the cultivar Maresi. Among the six-rowed forms, the most significant differences with the cultivar Klimek were found for the short-straw mutants M62 and M63.

The aim of the performed investigation on barley was estimation of influence of a combined treatment with sodium azide and laser light on variability of quantitative traits in M1 progeny as well as the influence of initial material on the obtained results. The object of the investigation constituted grain of three barley varieties treated with chemomutagen — sodium azide (SA), laser light and their combinations (SA + laser and laser + SA). Variability of yield structure parameters was analysed in the M1 progeny. The laser light emission for 30 min. induced a biostimulation effect. For longer irradiation of grains (90 and 120 min.) a reduction effect was observed. A separate treatment with SA induced only a decrease of the analysed traits. The combined treatment (SA + laser and laser + SA) induced reduction, which was lower as compared to the sole treatment with SA but higher than the exclusive irradiation with laser light. The variation among the M1 plants depended on initial material used for the mutagenic treatment. The highest significance contrast values between the traits of control and M1 generation were obtained for the variety Boss, the smaller ones were recorded for the varieties Rambo and Rudzik.

The paper presents a comparison of doubled haploid populations derived from F1 (F1DH) and F2 (F2DH) hybrids with a population obtained by a single seed descent (SSD) method. It has been shown based on theoretical assumptions that the frequency of recombinants in F1DH, F2DH and SSD populations is the same only when no linkage exists between genes determining a certain quantitative trait. In the case of the presence of linkage, this frequency is lowest in F1DH, and highest in SSD populations. The presence of linkage has an effect on expected means and variances for these populations namely the populations differ depending on both the value of recombination coefficient and on a linkage phase. As an example, the results of analysis of selected metrical traits (stem and spike length, stem diameter, grain weight per spike, 1000 grains weight) observed in F1DH, F2DH and SSD barley lines have been presented. It was found that the populations did not differ significantly in the mean values for observed traits except spike length. The variance of SSD lines appeared to be significantly higher than that for F1DH lines for grain weight per spike and stem diameter, which suggests that the genes controlling these traits are linked.

The results concerning genetic determination of susceptibility of naked and hulled barley doubled haploids (DH) to Fusarium culmorum are presented. Material for the studies comprised 15 naked and 15 hulled DH lines derived from F1 hybrids between lines RK63/1 (hulled) and 1N86 (naked). Hybrids of F2, F3 and parental genotypes were also included. Evaluation of the genotypes with respect to their susceptibility to Fusarium head blight was performed in a 3-year period. The experiments were carried out using a completely randomised block design with three replications. At full anthesis 40 spikes in each replication were inoculated with F. culmorum (isolate IPO348-01) by brushing single spikes with 2 ml of conidial suspension (5 x 106 in 1 ml). Plots with no inoculated plants were used as controls. The following traits were observed: 1000-kernel weight, number of kernels per spike, kernel weight per spike, and plump kernels. The results were analysed statistically. Three-way analysis of variance was performed and additive, dominance and no allelic interaction of homo- and heterozygous loci effects were estimated. It was found that additive gene effects were responsible for reduction in yield — released traits after inoculation with F. culmorum. The analyses also showed that dominance and no allelic interaction effects caused a significant reduction in plump kernels.

The object of the studies were 14 F1 hybrids obtained by crossing 13 inbred lines of different tolerance to nutrient deficiency in the medium at a seedling stage. Parental lines originated from the collection of: the Department of Plant Breeding of Szczecin Agricultural University and the Department of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology of Warsaw Agricultural University, and  F1 hybrids originated from our earlier studies. Genotypes of F1 hybrids and their parental forms were compared on basis of analysis of storage proteins using SDS-PAGE test (discontinuous system) performed on two kinds of polyacrylamide gels (4 and 12.5%) in Mini Protein II apparatus at constant voltage 50 mA. The obtained electrophoretic patterns were analyzed by means of the computer programme Diversity one 1.3” to evaluate the number and weight of bands in the light of a scanner Sharp JX-330. It was found that despite phenotypic differences (tolerance level) inbred lines belonged to the same group of genetic similarity. Analysis of electrophoretic variation of secalin in F1 hybrids obtained by crossing inbred lines showed the presence of protein markers of both parental components the great majority of hybrids. The hybrids, in which maternal bands dominated (genetic similarity 61–94%) were prevalent. The results indicate that SDS-PAGE test may be used to evaluation of a degree of rye varieties hybridity.

The paper presents estimates of GCA and SCA effects and their interaction with environment for plant height, grain yield/plot, 1000 grain weight and hectoliter weight. The plant material consisted of 40 hybrids obtained from crossing of 8 single hybrids (cms) with 5 yellow-grained paternal forms. Plant height and grain yield/plot were determined by additive gene effects, whereas the GCA effects were more important than the SCA effects in determining 1000 grain weight and hectoliter weight. A significant influence of the combining ability (GCA and SCA) × environment interaction on plant height was observed. The evaluation of GCA effects allowed to select a hybrid (5491 × 2130) as the best combiner for grain yield and 1000 grain weight. Among the paternal forms, line 70621 is noteworthy as exhibiting good combining ability for grain yield without increasing plant height.

The effects of aluminium (Al) ions, applied at concentrations: 0, 200, 400, 1000 μM on growth of germinal roots and shoots in five population varieties (Motto, Walet, Kier, Dańkowskie Złote, Dańkowskie Nowe) and three hybrid varieties (Nawid, Luco, Klawo) of winter rye were examined. Significant differences in the length of roots, depending on a variety and concentration of Al3+were found. Hybrid varieties Luco and Klawo were characterized by the highest sensitivity to Al3+. The tolerance to aluminium was mostly associated with the ability of plants to regenerate the root system. In the case of shoot growth, the influence of aluminium was much less pronounced. The results obtained in the study as well as the experience in conducting hydroponic tests will be utilized in further experiments with inbred rye lines, both tolerant and sensitive to aluminium.

The influence of NaCl applied in two concentrations: 150 and 200 mM·dm-3 on germination and growth of winter rye (Secale cereale L.) seedlings of eight lines (L7, L74D, L337, L480, 23/54/57, L482, L233 and 3/25) within S20 generation was investigated. The lines had been selected from various cultivated varieties. The analyzed inbred lines varied in their reaction to NaCl treatment. In general, NaCl lowered the ability of plants to germinate, inhibited the elongation of the shoot and roots and reduced a number of roots, as compared with a control variant. Four days after treatment a strong effect of NaCl was observed in 6 lines, whereas the reaction of lines 23/54/57 and L7 was weaker. Seven days after treatment, the differences between the lines in the length of roots and shoots were much more pronounced. At this stage of plant growth, a reaction of tolerance to NaCl in lines L7, L74D, L480 and L337 was observed. Selected inbred lines showing the tolerance or sensitivity to salinity will be analyzed at a molecular level to determine their genetic background.

The plant material consisted of 20 spring rye cultivars. The field experiments were carried out at two locations in 1997 using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Tillering, plant height, plant lodging, spike length, number of fleurs, spike density, 1000 grain weight, hectolitre weight and grain yield per plant were evaluated. Coefficients of variability and correlation between the characters were determined. The results of variance analysis showed the significant effects of the environments upon all investigated traits with the exception of spike length. Moreover, significant differences between the cultivars were observed for all characters, except a number of spikes and spike density. Genotype × environment interaction was significant for a number of fleurs, spike density, 1000 grain weight and hectolitre weight. Significant and positive associations were found between the following estimates: a grain yield and both plant height and hectolitre weight hectolitre weight and both a number of fleurs and spike density 1000 grain weight and both plant height and plant lodging a number of fleurs and spike length. Negative correlations were found for grain yield plant lodging, hectolitre weight and plant height, 1000 grain weight and a number of spikes, a number of fleurs and spike density and plant lodging, and plant height.

The aim of the study was to elucidate how the genes responsible for inheritance of traits determining: grain yield per plant, number of grains per plant, grain yield per panicle, number of grains per panicle and number of panicles per plant, operate in  spring oat (Avena sativa L.). It was assumed that these traits are inherited according to the additive-dominance model. To verify this hypothesis, a three-parameter Jinks-Jones model was applied. The experiment was carried out in two replications in the field of the Breeding Station Strzelce. Three varieties of oat were assayed: GĂłral, Sławko and STH 3096 (now var. Szakal). A biometrical analysis of the 5 traits was performed on 20 plants/variety, chosen at random (10 plants/replication). The analysis of variance showed significant variability in the traits among 6 generations as well as within the experimental combinations. To verify the additive-dominance hypothesis, chi-square test was used. Since the values measured by chi-square test appeared to be not significant, the results strongly suggest the additive-dominant character of the effects observed in oat.