Multi‐trait BLUP in half‐sib selection of annual crops

Abstract

The Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) methodology, which is widely used in animal and forestry genetic evaluation, can also be applied to annual crop breeding. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy and efficiency of among-and within-half-sib family selection through the use of single-and multi-trait BLUP, and BLUE/ANOVA methods. Expansion volume and yield data from two recurrent selection cycles of a popcorn population were analyzed. Progeny tests were designed as a lattice. To maximize accuracy of the prediction of breeding values, the BLUP analyses included phenotypic values of the two cycles. All BLUP analyses were performed using the ASReml software. The multi-trait BLUP method demonstrated greater accuracy and efficiency in family selection. In the case of within-family selection, both accuracy and efficiency of multi-and single-trait BLUP methods were equivalent. The selection efficiency of the multi-trait BLUP was dependent on the estimated genetic parameters, particularly the difference between the genetic and environmental correlations of the traits.

Estimate of genetic gain in popcorn after cycles of phenotypic recurrent selection

“…The UFLA popcorn program has prioritized an increase in the EV trait in populations as selection cycles advance, making use of tandem phenotypic selection in the recombination lots up to cycle three. This is supported by estimates found in the literature that the EV trait shows moderate-to-high heritability, with values ranging from 68.42 to 90.19% in the mean of the family (Santos et al, 2008;Freitas Júnior et al, 2009;Viana et al, 2010). Tables 1 and 2 show that the EV trait exhibited significant differences among the selection cycles, being formed of two large groups, with the C4 and C3.E cycles standing out in relation to the others, and with the same popcorn quality as the controls.…”

Accuracy and simultaneous selection gains for N-stress tolerance and N-use efficiency in maize tropical lines

“…The selection using single-trait analysis for these traits could result in gains in one trait and losses in the other trait. In addition, Viana et al (2010) simultaneously selected for yield and expansion volume in popcorn and noted that in cases of traits with similar genotypic determination coefficient, the decision between single-trait and multi-trait analysis is the absolute difference between genetic and residual correlations. If both correlations are similar, there is no difference between these prediction methods.…”

Genetic Variability and Selection of Extra-Early Cowpea Progenies

“…It does not happen when the effects are considered fixed. According to Viana et al (2010) and Pinheiro et al (2013), with this adjustment of the phenotypic values by heritability, it is concluded that the higher the adjusted heritability, the lower the shrinkage, the greater the selective accuracy and the greater the genetic gain.…”