Recurrent selection as a breeding procedure for rye and other cross-fertilized plants

Ferwerda, F. P.

Established breeding methods (mass selection, family selection) and methods based on heterosis have not proven adequate for all crops. Experiments with rye have shown that a breeding system based on the polycross test is somewhat unsatisfactory since degeneration caused by inbreeding cannot be avoided. Better possibilities are offered by the methods of recurrent selection using 2 unrelated populations. The 2 populations are subjected to a test cross system whereby individuals from 1 population are outcrossed on representative groups of individuals from the other and vice versa. Progeny tests reveal which individuals combine well with members of the other population. Thus, narrowed populations can be obtained which complement each other. By repeating the selection process, this complementary character is enhanced. Mass crossing of these 2 narrowed populations may result in a valuable hybrid (varietal hybrid). Inbreeding is reduced to a minimum through this procedure.