Quarter century genetic progress in irrigated rice (Oryza sativa) in Southeast Brazil

Abstract

Rice is one of the most consumed cereals in the world and of extreme social and economic importance in Brazil. Minas Gerais is the leading State in irrigated rice production in the Southeast Region. This study aimed to estimate the genetic progress of 26 years of the irrigated rice breeding programme of Epamig in Southeast Brazil by time meta‐analysis. Genetic progress was estimated for grain yield, plant height and days to flowering. The dataset understood 162 genotypes in 91 trials of value for cultivation and use of 26 seasons. The rate of annual genetic gain for grain yield was estimated .99% (49.85 kg year−1). It was also verified that was a reduction in plant height and an increase in days to flowering, even if very low. Due to distinct historical phases of the rice breeding programme, there were changes in research focus and, consequently, affected the genetic gains. With this study, it was possible to evaluate the selection strategies carried out in the past and identify important points to maintain.