Abstract:
Seedlings from 77 accessions including inbreds, F1 hybrids and seven F2 populations were exposed to approximately 60% shading for 35 days following transplanting into the field. Most of the lines did not set fruit under the shading due to heavy abscission of flowers. A few exceptional lines, hybrids and F2 segregants showed resistance to abscission and set normal fruits under the shading regime. This procedure is suggested for screening against stress-induced flower abscission. An association is suggested between resistance to shading and to high temperatures and its genetic control. © 1994 Kluwer Academic Publishers.