Variability in Components of Seed Production in Panicum coloratum L.1

Seed shattering is a critical problem in Panicum coloratum L. Detailed studies of seed production components failed to detect any significant differences in actual seed holding ability within a limited population. However, plants with the greatest number of seed in panicles 14 days after initial anthesis also tended to have the greatest number at [atervals up to 31 days after initial anthesis. Significant and heritable differences were obtained in the important seed production components of fertile fiorets per panicle, seed per panicle, and percent fertility. Thus, differences in seed production potential were discovered though not in seed retention after individual floret maturity. An advanced generation of selected plants produced 47% more seed than unselected plants and verified the increased seed production potential of plants selected for individual seed production components.