Use of quantitative genetics in planning multiple- trait breeding

Abstract

There are several methods of multiple-trait selection which vary in effectiveness and suitability depending on program goals. Tandem selection is a method to improve several traits, one trait at a time in a specified order. Selection is ordinarily done on the most important trait first. After sufficient gain has been obtained, the second most important trait is considered and so on. Another method of multiple- trait selection is the use of independent culling levels. With this method, several traits are measured in the population and a minimum value for each trait is established. For a tree to be selected, it must be above the culling level in each trait being considered. Thus, several traits can be considered simultaneously, and individual traits can be emphasized by varying the culling levels. Both methods are relatively simple to apply, but neither accounts for effects of genetic correlations among traits.

Citation

Franklin, E. C.; Stonecypher, R. W. 1978. Use of quantitative genetics in planning multiple- trait breeding. In: Proceedings of the 3rd World Consul. Forest Tree Breeding; 1978; Canberra, Australia: 1149-1152