Tree breeding is basically aimed at producing quality products like seeds and clones and the most valuable contribution of molecular markers in breeding programs would be to reduce the time of selection or to reduce the number of breeding cycles. This can be achieved either by the early identification of superior progeny or by the identification of parents that will yield superior progeny. The ...

Genomic selection (GS) is the use of statistical methods to estimate the genetic merit of a genotyped animal based on prediction equations derived from large ancestral populations with both phenotypes and genotypes. It has revolutionized the dairy cattle breeding industry and has been implemented with varying degrees of success in other animal breeding programs, including swine, poultry, and be...

The goal of many forest tree breeding programs is to increase the quantity and quality of wood products from plantations. Due to their outcrossing breeding systems, long generation times and relatively short history of domestication, breeding populations of most forest trees closely resemble the wild state. Consequently, vast stores of genetic variation are available for selection. Because wood...

Molecular marker assisted selection (MAS) has been touted as a means to improve the efficiency and speed of plant selection programs. The most widespread use of MAS to date is to assist backcrossing of major genes into already proven, elite cultivars. Markers can aid selection for target alleles that are not easily assayed in individual plants, minimize linkage drag around the target gene, and ...

Estimation of genetic diversity is an important factor in germplasm conservation and characterization. In rice breeding programs, genetic diversity information on specific regions of genome can be very useful for the application of marker assisted selection (MAS) and for gene mapping. A total of 152 rice lines were considered for breeding programs using microsatellites (SSR) technique. The tota...

Analysis of genetic diversity changes in existing gene pools of cultivated crops is important for understanding the impact of plant breeding on crop genetic diversity and developing effective indicators for genetic diversity of cultivated plants. The objective of this study was to assess genetic diversity changes in 75 Canadian hard red wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars released from 1845 ...

Reliable selection criteria are required for young riding horses to increase genetic gain by increasing accuracy of selection and decreasing generation intervals. In this study, selection strategies incorporating genomic breeding values (GEBVs) were evaluated. Relevant stages of selection in sport horse breeding programs were analyzed by applying selection index theory. Results in terms of accu...

This study aimed to develop a multivariate selection index based on the graphical area of a polygon formed by standardized values, also known as radar chart. This methodology may be used to assist selection of superior genotypes in sugarcane breeding programs. Seven technological traits in 37 sugarcane genotypes were evaluated. An area index (AI) was constructed and the resulting polygon areas ...

Genetic resources provide basic material for selection and improvement through breeding to ensure food security needs of the world’s rapidly rising population. Conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources are important components of ex-situ collections. Management of ex-situ collections requires creative and adaptive decisions tailored to operating conditions that are specific and co...

Plant breeding programs in local regions may have genetic and phenotypic variations that are desirable and shape adaptability during the establishment of local populations. Despite the characterization of genetic population structures in various kinds of populations, the effects of variations in phenotype on agro-economical traits currently remain unclear. In the present study, we evaluated phe...