The implications and applications of resource capture concepts to crop improvement by plant breeding

Abstract

Models relating crop production to resource capture and resource use efficiency (RESCAP) may be combined with the phenotype model applied in breeding that identifies sources of variation for traits. Estimating the parameters of the RESCAP models with low-cost non-destructive methods can improve the attribution of sources of variation in the phenotype model and, therefore, improve breeding efficiency. Since the resource captured is largely environmental(E), determining the contributions to yield from this source can leave a better estimate of the genetic(G) and G× E contributions to the phenotype. Some of the potential or existing applications include: (a) breeding for productivity through improved resource capture and/or use efficiency, and screening materials for difficult traits such as root traits in drought resistance/tolerance breeding programs; (b) evaluation of crop improvement strategies. Decisions about selection priorities and sequences depend on the relative extent of genetic and environmental contributions to variation. The RESCAP approach allows the relative components of the phenotype model to be estimated cheaply and aids in their interpretation; (c) improving statistical analysis of breeding trials by exploiting the non-destructive growth analysis of plot yields to isolate the genetic contributions to yield within trials with large error terms due to non-systematic environmental effects and (d) improved selection for yield in early generation segregating populations. RESCAP based on non-destructive single plant and small plot (row) growth analysis and the different contributions of RESCAP model parameters to the phenotype model terms effectively increase the heritability of yield with the attendant possible changes in plant breeding efficiency and practice.