Genetic progress in popcorn recurrent selection by a multivariate mixed-model approach

Abstract

Recurrent selection is a viable alternative for popcorn breeding. However, frequent verification of progress attained is required. The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic progress attained for popping expansion (PE) and grain yield (GY) after four cycles of recurrent selection and to compare this progress with the expected progress estimated at the end of each cycle while considering the genetic relationships between the progenies via univariate and multivariate mixed-model approaches. To estimate the genetic parameters and gains from indirect selection, cycles 1, 2, 3, and 4 of a UFLA population were used. To estimate the genetic gains achieved, the following cycles were used: UFLA (original) and cycles 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, evaluated in three environments. The multivariate approach provided more accurate estimates than did the univariate approach. There was genetic gain for PE in the recurrent selection program. In contrast, gain was not observed for GY using the different estimation strategies.