Statistical correlations in winter triticale hybrids

The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlations between the hybrids F1, F2, and F3, obtained by different methods, their plasticity and stability, as well as to identify the probability of cytogenetic balances formed in F3 and the possibility to perform selection in this generation. Correlations in 38 triticale hybrids (F1, F2, and F3), obtained by different methods were evaluated in the conditions of the Middle Volga region, Russia. Simple intraspecific, complex and interspecific cross breeding was performed. Thirty-eight hybrids were evaluated. Correlation (68 features), variance, and genetic analyses were conducted. Relatively constant correlations in intraspecific hybrids of the F1, F2, and F3 generations were documented between the length of the ear and its components: the number of spikelets, the mass of one ear, and the number of grains per ear. An increase in spike length in interspecific hybrids leads to an increase in the number of spikelets, but a decrease in fertility productivity. In hybrids of the second generation, the number of significant functional correlations increases significantly. In the third generation, the correlations are almost the same as in the first generation. The interrelation of spike length with internode length decreases (r = 0.12–0.14), while the weight of one spike (r = 0.07–0.12) increases with the number of spikelets (r = 0.82–0.87). The coefficient of variation in the number of kernels per ear in the F3 generation of intraspecific and interspecific hybrids varied from 21.01% to 69.57%. The variance of this feature was lower in simple intraspecies hybrids (21.01–25.15%) and higher in interspecies hybrids with winter wheat (36.40–38.30%) and winter rye (60.0–69.57%). The analysis of the stability and plasticity of the hybrids indicates their instability. The selection of elite ears and plants in the early stages of formation of the hybrid is not effective.