Genetic gain prediction for wheat with different selection criteria

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare different criteria of simultaneous environment selection based on estimated gains to identify the most appropriate ones. Two hundred and forty F2:4 families derived from eight segregating wheat populations were evaluated. The experiments were conducted on the field, with sowings in the summer and the winter, in 2004. The highest gains were estimated by direct selection in each cultivation environment, with negative gain estimates for the indirect response in the other environment. All indices were more adequate for simultaneous selection of environments since the total gains were higher and more evenly distributed in the two environments. The index based on “desired gains” obtained the highest gains in the three situations. Selection indices are advantageous, since the selection efficiency in wheat breeding programs is improved.