Inheritance of hydrocarbons in subspecific big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) hybrids

Volatile compounds of the subspecies tridentata and vaseyana of Artemisia tridentata along with their F2 hybrids were characterized and identified. These compounds segregated in the F2s. Methacrolein and thujone characterize ssp. tridentata; camphene, camphor, and 1,8-cineole characterize ssp. vaseyana. Results of this study taken together with previous work suggest that low values for the bitter volatile methacrolein might be combined with high biomass and nutritive quality characteristics from hybrid progeny.