Experimental comparison of restricted selection index and restricted independent culling levels in Tribolium castaneum

Abstract

A selection index (I) method was compared with independent culling levels (N), with a restriction in the selection program, using two replicated single generation experiments in Tribolium castaneum, which are considered forms of antagonistic selection. The first experiment was designed to increase adult weight without changing pupal weight, while the second experiment was intended to improve egg laying without changing adult weight. In both experiments the genetic correlation between the traits involved were positive but were higher in experiment 1 than in experiment 2. The proportion of selection was 10%. In experiment 1, the effect of restriction was as expected in both lines since the changes in pupal weight were not significant. Adult weight change was positive for the I line and negative for the N line, showing that the index was a superior method to improve adult weight. In experiment 2, the effect of restriction was also as expected in both lines and changes in adult weight were not significant. Egg laying changed positively in both lines. Therefore, both selection methods were similar in this experiment, even though egg laying change was higher in the I than the N line. Key words: restricted index, restricted culling levels, antagonistic selection, Tribolium.