Quantitative Genetical Aspects ofChamomilla recutita(L.) Rauschert II. Genotype-Environment Interactions and Proposed Breeding Methods

Abstract

The quantitative inheritance of (−)-α-bisabolol and chamazulene in Chamomilla recutita was studied by investigating the diallele progenies (F₁-hybrids) of ten parent plants grown under four different environments (S. Germany and Egypt). The results of this study revealed that the highest essential oil and bisabolol contents were obtained in plants grown in Egypt, while plants grown in S. Germany the values were lower although the (pro)chamazulene content was higher. Although most of the progenies followed this same trend, different specific genotype-environment interactions could be detected in a few parents and progenies. Also, as the specific combination effects were found to be low, it can be concluded that selection is the preferred and appropriate method of breeding high-value chamomile genotypes that are rich in bisabolol and chamazulene.