Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding (The)

Eleven inbred lines were used in a diallel cross analysis. Graphic analysis with special reference to the determination of number of genes controlling the variability in locule number is presented. The graphical analysis based on log transformed data gave no evidence for significant epistatic interactions. Degree of dominance averaged over all loci was partial. Completely dominant or recessive parents were not present. There was an excess of recessive genes in the parental lines used in the present experiment. The positive and negative alleles were asymmetrically distributed.

The test indicated that at least five loci with major effects influence the variability of locule number. Two of these five loci were already known (o and f). The newly hypothesised loci were tentatively termed as loc₁, loc₂ and loc₃. There was partial dominance of high over low locule number at o and locr and partial dominance of low over high locule number at f, Ioc2 and loc3. Differences in locule number were probably affected by minor genes in addition to the above mentioned five major genes.

The comparative effects of each locus could not be gauged by the method used. However, f seemed to control a major portion of the locule number variability. It is probable that the five major genes that control the variability of locule number also affect fruit size and shape.