Breeding Methods: Population Improvement and Selection Methods

Abstract

In order to produce successful varieties, wheat breeding programs must develop several strategies that fall under one of the following topics: line development, population improvement, and selection methods. This chapter focuses on breeding activities related to population improvement and selection methods, while Chap. 5discusses line development. The objective of population improvement is to enhance the entire genetic base of the breeding program, while selection methods aim to identify breeding lines with superior potential or performance. As with line development approaches, numerous population improvement and selection methods have been developed in order to enhance breeding program efficiency and achieve genetic improvement. This chapter will provide an overview of population improvement and selection methods in the context of wheat breeding, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and summarize empirical studies that have evaluated them in order to inform breeding program design.