Comparison of Mass Selection and S1 Testing Recurrent-Selection Methods in Sorghum

Authors

R. E. Secrist, Dairyland Seed Co., Inc.Follow
R. E. Atkins, Iowa State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Research

Keywords

Sorghum bicolor L. Moench, breeding systems, random-mating populations, agronomic traits

Abstract

Mass selection and S₁ testing are often used for the improvement of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] populations. Both recurrent selection methods have a place in applied breeding programs and should be used where they are likely to be most advantageous. S₁ families of a random-mating sorghum population mass selected three cycles (C3) for individual-panicle weight [IAP1R(M)C3] were compared with S₁ families from a population (C3) advanced from the same base (CO) population by using replicated yield tests in each cycle [ IAP4R(S₁)C3]. Our objectives were to compare the performance in C3 of families developed by using each selection strategy and to assess the genetic variability among S₁ families. Sixty S₁ families from each population were grown in five Iowa environments. Mean grain yields of S₁ families derived from IAP1R(M)C3 and IAP4R(S1)C3 were not significantly different (beyond P>0.05). Estimates of genetic variance among families (ail from IAP4R(S₁)C3 were significantly greater for seeds/panicle and days to midbloom, but δ²_g was not significantly different from IAP1R(M)C3 for grain yield, panicles/plant, and plant height. Greater δ²_g for 100-seed weight was observed among the S₁ families from IAP1R(M)C3. Except for 100-seed weight, heritability estimates for agronomic characters were not significantly different for the two populations. Considerations of mass selection and S₁ testing should be made in relation to gains per season and use of project resources. On a preseason basis, mass selection seems preferable because S₁ testing requires three seasons per cycle versus one for mass selection. If off-season nurseries are used for recombination of testing units, gain per year from S₁ testing would be similar or superior to that from mass selection.

Publication Date

September 1991

Journal Title

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science

Volume

98

Issue

3

First Page

134

Last Page

138

Copyright

© Copyright 1991 by the Iowa Academy of Science, Inc.

Language

EN

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Secrist, R. E. and Atkins, R. E. (1991) "Comparison of Mass Selection and S1 Testing Recurrent-Selection Methods in Sorghum," Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS, 98(3), 134-138.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/jias/vol98/iss3/7