ChileanJAR

The selection of wheat cultivars with spring and alternative growth habits has been possible from winter x spring crosses. Selected plants in each F₂ population are harvested in bulk and the seed is divided for an F₃ sowing at the La Platina Exp. Sta. (INIA, Santiago), and a winter sowing at the Carillanca Exp. Sta (INlA, Temuco). Plants selected at La Platina, are sown in F₄ and F₅ in spring at Carillanca, permitting the selection of lines with spring growth habit. Those selected at Carillanca, are sown at the same place in F₄, in spring, and in F₅, in winter, where the selection of lines with alternative growth habit is possible. Selections of the F₅ enter yield trials sown at Carillanca in winter (May-June), spring (August-September), and October, which permits to complete the definition of both ha bits. A comparison between sister Iines, shows that alternative Iines have a longer vegetative period and are less resistant to stem and leaf rusts, than spring ones.