Simultaneous selection for grain yield and protein content in genomics-assisted wheat breeding.

Simultaneous selection for grain yield and protein content in genomics-assisted wheat breeding.
Theor Appl Genet. 2019 Feb 27;:
Authors: Michel S, Löschenberger F, Ametz C, Pachler B, Sparry E, Bürstmayr H
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE: Large genetic improvement can be achieved by simultaneous genomic selection for grain yield and protein content when combining different breeding strategies in the form of selection indices. Genomic selection has been implemented in many national and international breeding programmes in recent years. Numerous studies have shown the potential of this new breeding tool; few have, however, taken the simultaneous selection for multiple traits into account that is though common practice in breeding programmes. The simultaneous improvement in grain yield and protein content is thereby a major challenge in wheat breeding due to a severe negative trade-off. Accordingly, the potential and limits of multi-trait selection for this particular trait complex utilizing the vast phenotypic and genomic data collected in an applied wheat breeding programme were investigated in this study. Two breeding strategies based on various genomic-selection indices were compared, which (1) aimed to select high-protein genotypes with acceptable yield potential and (2) develop high-yielding varieties, while maintaining protein content. The prediction accuracy of preliminary yield trials could be strongly improved when combining phenotypic...

Source: TAG. Theoretical and Applied Genetics - February 27, 2019 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Michel S, Löschenberger F, Ametz C, Pachler B, Sparry E, Bürstmayr H Tags: Theor Appl Genet Source Type: research