Long-term comparison between index selection and optimal independent culling in plant breeding programs with genomic prediction

In the context of genomic selection, we evaluated and compared breeding programs using either index selection or independent culling for recurrent parents. We simulated a clonally propagated crop program 20 cycles an economic with two unfavourably correlated traits under selection. Cycle time from crossing to parents was kept same both strategies. Both methods led increasingly unfavourable genetic correlations between and, culling, larger changes in correlation traits. When linkage disequilibrium not considered, had similar losses diversity. Two approaches were evaluated, one optimal levels intensity Optimal outperformed even when importance. Therefore, accurately estimating is essential maximizing gains performed. Once are achieved, lead comparable gains.