Progress in breeding of irrigated wheat for the Cerrado region of Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to quantify the progress obtained by breeding programs of irrigated wheat in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 1976 to 2005. The efficiency of the programs was evaluated based on yield data obtained in Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) trials. The genetic and environmental progress was estimated by the methodology of Vencovsky et al. The mean annual progress rate from 1976 to 2005 in mean yield was estimated to be 48 kg ha! yr! (1.84% per year). Environmental and technological improvements were important for the increased yield during the study period, accounting for 32.8% of the total gain. Over the years, 33% of the genotypes used in the improvement programs of irrigated wheat were replaced.