Genetic gain estimates using different selection index methods in three potato hybrid populations

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the efficiency of different selection index methods for superior potato clones. The experiment was carried out at the experimental field of Embrapa Clima Temperado in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, in the spring season of 2008. Three hybrid populations of potato derived from crosses between advanced clones of Embrapa potato breeding program and foreign cultivars were studied. The experimental design was an augmented block with four replications. The use of selection indexes resulted in higher selection gains, with better distribution among traits. The best selection index found to be used in potato breeding programs are the multiplicative of Subandi et al. (1973) and the index based on the sum of ranks proposed by Mulamba & Mock (1978).

Solanum tuberosum; breeding; heritability