Influence of epistatic effects on various traits in relation to the genetic improvement of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.)

Absract The information on gene interactions is a basic requirement for exploitation of genetic variability and advancement in the development of high yielding lines in any crop. The present study was taken to discover the nature of gene action implicated in the inheritance of yield and allied characters in opium poppy. Three testers and 20 lines of opium poppy were crossed in triple test cross design. The results showed that the additive gene action was significant for most of the characters, though, dominance as well as epistasis also had considerable say in the inheritance of characters. The presence of additive effects for all the traits suggested selection based on the studied traits can enhance yield potential effectively in opium poppy. The delayed selection for the traits governed by epistasis may also deliver promising results in opium poppy.