Recurrent selection as breeding strategy for heat tolerance in wheat

J.C Machado,D.M Oliveira,M.A Souza,A Cargnin,J.C Assis,A.J.B Pimentel

doi:10.12702/1984-7033.v10n01a02

Abstract

The development of heat-tolerant varieties is an important goal of wheat breeding programs, requiring efficient selection methods. In the present study the use of recurrent selection was evaluated as a strategy to improve heat stress tolerance in wheat. Two cycles of recurrent selection were performed in experiments conducted in research areas of the Universidade Federal de Vicosa, located in Coimbra-MG and Vicosa-MG, in 2004 and 2007, in two growing seasons (summer and winter). The genetic gain and the existence of variability show the possibility of successful recurrent selection for heat- tolerance in wheat.

Highlights

In the late 1980s, the Brazilian government eliminated subsidies to wheat producers and liberalized marketing (Rossi and Neves 2004)
An important goal in wheat breeding is the development of new lines with tolerance to high temperature stress (Reynolds et al 2007, Ortiz et al 2008), especially for the conditions in Central Brazil, which requires efficient selection methods
It can be inferred that the high temperatures in the summer led to a reduction in the three traits, confirming results reported in the literature (Souza and Ramalho 2001, Cargnin et al 2006c)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

In the late 1980s, the Brazilian government eliminated subsidies to wheat producers and liberalized marketing (Rossi and Neves 2004). An important goal in wheat breeding is the development of new lines with tolerance to high temperature stress (Reynolds et al 2007, Ortiz et al 2008), especially for the conditions in Central Brazil, which requires efficient selection methods. In this context, we highlight the recurrent selection method, which consists of a dynamic and continuous process of progeny production, evaluation and selection, followed by intercrossing of the best. This paper was developed to evaluate the use of recurrent selection as a strategy to improve heat stress tolerance in wheat

MATERIAL AND METHODS

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

GxE h2 LL UL hR2