Quantitative genetic parameters for selection of biomass yield in hybrid rye

With 2 figure and 6 tables Abstract Winter rye is an attractive crop as substrate for biogas production. We aimed to estimate quantitative genetic parameters for biomass yield in elite hybrid materials. About 380 testcross progeny incorporating intrapool crosses and interpool hybrids were analysed in six experiments across each of three to four locations. Mean values of biomass yield on a 100% dry matter basis ranged between 152 and 160 dt/ha, and the best entries had 175 dt/ha across locations. Genotypic variances for biomass yield were significant (P < 0.01) in all experiments being higher for interpool hybrids. Genotype × location interaction variances were significant and, in most instances, of similar size than genotypic variances. Estimates of entry-mean heritability were moderate. Correlations among traits were highly varying with experiments. Consistently, significant genotypic correlations with biomass yield were found for plant height (0.4–0.9) and early growth (0.2–0.8). In conclusion, broad genetic variation for biomass yield already existing in elite hybrid materials should stimulate selection for this newly adopted trait.