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Genetic Gain in Early Stages of a Soybean Breeding Program
Author(s) -
St. Martin S. K.,
Futi Xie
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci2000.4061559x
Subject(s) - genetic gain , biology , breeding program , selection (genetic algorithm) , cultivar , microbiology and biotechnology , pig breeding , plant breeding , agronomy , progeny testing , statistics , zoology , genetic variation , genetics , mathematics , computer science , gene , artificial intelligence
Multistage testing of genotypes is an essential feature in plant breeding programs. Little research is available to help breeders test efficiently. Our objective was to determine the genetic gain obtained in selected stages of a soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] breeding program and to determine ways to increase the overall gain, if possible. The mean selection differential and genetic gain and their regression coefficient were determined for tests at the F 3 , F 4 , and F 6 generations of the Ohio State University‐Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center breeding program during 1985 to 1997. Genetic gain for yield averaged −1.4% in the F 3 stage, 3.7% in the F 4 , and 9.1% in the F 6 stage, where percentages are based on the mean of the common check genotypes. Overall changes in maturity were small at each stage. Improvements in lodging resistance occurred in the F 4 and F 6 Negative yield gains in the F 3 were attributed to use of unreplicated plots and to the necessary selection pressure for early maturity. Examination of the selection differentials for individual lines indicated that selection could be intensified in the F 4 and F 6 generations with little risk of discarding potentially superior cultivars. The conclusion that near equality of the selection intensity across stages would be beneficial for this breeding program confirms the theoretical recommendations reported in earlier research.