Optimal plot size and replication for testing clones in early stages of selection : SRDC final report CSR017
Abstract
The aim of CSRO 17 was to identifY optimal plot design, replication and selection criteria for testing and selecting clones in small plots in early stages of selection in sugarcane breeding programs. Problems associated with the use of small plots are well known in field experimentation. This is particularly so in variety selection trials where measurements in small plots are subject to possible bias due to competition effects when there are significant differences in height between genotypes being compared. In sugarcane breeding programs, small, single row or two row plots are usually used extensively for the first two stages of selection within seedling populations. The reasons for this include the desire to screen large populations of clones within available resource constraints to identifY rare, elite recombinants, and the necessity to bulk up planting material from original seedlings before planting to larger plots. Given the level of resources usually devoted to early stage selection trials, it is important that optimal procedures are used so that selection is effective and efficient. The overall approach used in the project was to obtain estimates of key genetic parameters from field experimentation and then to use these to predict gains from selection among relatively unselected clonal populations in sugarcane breeding programs using different selection options. The clones used in this study were representative of those directly derived from hybridisation in two different sugarcane breeding programs, and were unbiased by any previous selection. As such, the genetic parameters are useful for other studies that may simulate and assess different options for selection from the first stages of selection in sugarcane breeding programs.
Collections
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Optimisation of the initial stages of the New South Wales selection program : SRDC final project report BS96S
Piperidis, G (2002)The main aim of this project was to obtain the basic information required to implement an efficient and effective breeding and selection program in NSW. However, the project suffered major difficulties that affected the ... -
Optimum selection strategies in original seedlings particularly for heavily lodged crops : SRDC final report BS46S
Kimbeng, CA; McRae, TA (1999)The objectives for this project were: to evaluate the effectiveness of family selection in the plant crop of original seedlings of sugarcane grown to full crop potential in the Burdekin region. The crop will probably be ... -
Maximising profits through better breeding
Wei, X (BSES, 2006)The Australian sugarcane industry continues to face stiff competition from overseas industries, especially from the ever-expanding Brazilians. To become more competitive, Australians need to improve their production methods ...