Inheritance of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) resistance in Amaranthus palmeri

In this study, the inheritance of 2,4-D resistance in a multiple herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth (KCTR) was investigated. Direct and reciprocal crosses were performed using 2,4-D-resistant KCTR and susceptible KSS plants to generate F(1) progenies. 2,4-D dose–response assays were conducted to evaluate the response of progenies from each F(1) family along with KCTR and KSS plants in controlled environmental growth chambers. Additionally, 2,4-D-resistant male and female plants from each of the F(1) families were used in pairwise crosses to generate pseudo-F(2) families. Segregation (resistance or susceptibility) of progenies from the F(2) families in response to a discriminatory rate of 2,4-D (i.e., 560 g ae ha(−1)) was evaluated. Dose–response analysis of F(1) progenies derived from direct and reciprocal crosses suggested that the 2,4-D resistance in KCTR is a nuclear trait. Chi-square analyses of F(2) segregation data implied that 2,4-D resistance in KCTR is controlled by multiple gene(s). Overall, our data suggest that the 2,4-D resistance in KCTR Palmer amaranth is a nuclear inherited trait controlled by multiple genes. Such resistance can spread both via pollen or seed-mediated gene flow. In future, efforts will be directed towards identifying genes mediating 2,4-D resistance in KCTR population.