Improving Pedigree Selection in Applied Breeding of Barley Populations

The objectives of this study were (a) to compare the effectiveness of the two methods of pedigree selection in barley: the ear-to-row classical pedigree method and the honeycomb method and (b) the evaluation of the selection criteria of the honeycomb methodology. Five F12 lines developed by classical pedigree method were used as checks in order to compare seven lines developed by honeycomb methodology. Five honeycomb pedigree lines were selected by PYI basic selection criterion of honeycomb methodology and two more (rejected by PYI) were selected by YC, a new criterion proposed for improving selection of high yielding plants in honeycomb design. Also, the original local population from which all these lines were derived and two commercial barley cultivars were used as the basic checks. All genotypes selected by classical and honeycomb pedigree method out yielded the original local population. Many of them reached or out yielded the commercial cultivars used as checks and thus both classical and honeycomb pedigree methods were able to promote some homozygous genotypes in order to be used as new cultivars. Yield performance of progeny lines selected by classical pedigree method was better than honeycomb's. Only when YC was used as selection criterion honeycomb pedigree lines showed high yielding performance. Comparing PYI and YC selection criteria, it seems that the second is better for promoting high yielding and stable lines for next generations to be used as future new cultivars. Grain yield and bulk density are safer traits than 1000-kernel weight, for efficient selection that ensures high and stable yields.