The feasibility of producing inbred rather than F1 hybrid cultivars in Brussels sprouts: a preliminary genetical analysis and choice of material for inbreeding

Abstract
SUMMARY: The feasibility of producing commercially acceptable inbred lines of Brussels sprouts is investigated. Two experiments are described which examined the nature and extent of heterosis in this crop using the techniques of biometrical genetics. They indicate incomplete dominance for several production traits, lower F1 uniformity and the presence of inbreds that outyield some F1's. These results strongly suggest that recombinant inbred lines, possibly outyielding the better F1's could be produced. Five crosses were identified for inbreeding by SSD and 1000 lines are being produced from each. The principles upon which these crosses were identified are described.