Multi‐trait selection in a diallel crossing scheme of cocoa

Abstract

AbstractCocoa breeding seeks to increase the yield by area unit. In this context, one must consider the resistance to Phytophthora disease, the most serious one in cocoa culture. Thus, herein two traits were used: yield, i.e. number of healthy pods obtained in 7 years and Phytophthora resistance, estimated by pod rot rate. A combined individual‐family selection is proposed on the basis of the total genetic value in order to spread clonal material. This selection method was applied in a 6 × 6 diallel scheme in Cameroon. The heritability of Phytophthora resistance (near 0.2) was higher than for yield (0.13). A selection index was constructed to obtain good genetic gains on each of the two traits (yield and Phytophthora resistance). To improve prediction of genetic values, a third trait, potential yield, was used. With the chosen weight, the expected genetic gain was about 35% for resistance at 1% level of selection. This selection was applied and a confirmation trial is being established with the selected trees.