Effectiveness of Breeding Methods for Production of Superior Genotypes and Maintenance of Genetic Variance in Faba Bean (Vicia faba, L.)

Abstract

The present study was carried out during the period from The study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of pedigree (P), single seed descent (SSD), and mass selection (MS) breeding methods. Two F 2 populations, derived from two crosses, were used. Twenty families derived from each of the three breeding methods in each cross were tested for seed yield (t/ ha), seed yield per plant (g) and its components in F6 generation. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Significant differences existed, within F6 families of each cross, for seed yield, seed yield per plant and its components by applying either of the three methods. The widest range in seed yield was obtained by the SSD method. The SSD breeding method produced consistently more superior families in either and over the two crosses with 22, 19 and 18 families for (SSD), (P) and (MS) methods, respectively. The genotypic (δ 2 G) and phenotypic (δ 2 Ph) variances, for seed yield, estimated from SSD method were the highest compared with the other breeding methods over the two crosses. Heritability estimates, in broad sense, and expected genetic advance from selection for higher seed yield indicated that the SSD method recorded higher values (h 2 = 0.87-0.93, δ G = 0.51-0.85) compared with the other two methods. Based on the obtained results, it seems that the SSD breeding method was more effective compared to the other two breeding methods, in producing superior genotypes in seed yield and maintaining genetic variance for further selection and improvement of that character. Considering the partial allogamous nature of the crop, it could be concluded that the SSD method was more efficient and could be less costly in breeding for high seed yield.