A triple test-cross analysis in F2 population of forage oats detected both complementary as well as duplicate epistatic gene effects for green fodder and dry matter yield. For quality traits viz., protein content and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), however, only duplicate type epistasis was observed. Both additive and dominance gent effects were involved in the inheritance of green fodder yield, dry matter yield, and digestibility. But protein content was controlled mainly by dominant gene effects. Overdominance was indicated for these characters. Dominant increasers were in higher proportion than dominant decreasers for all the characters. The breeding procedures to exploit the various types of gene effects observed for genetic improvement of forage yield and quality are suggested.
Triple test-cross, epistasis, Avena sativa L., forage yield, quality
