Reciprocal Recurrent Genomic Selection Is Impacted by Genotype-by-Environment Interactions

Area of Science:

• Plant breeding
• Quantitative genetics
• Agricultural science

Background:

• Reciprocal recurrent genomic selection (RRGS) is a strategy to enhance hybrid performance in two parent populations.
• Wheat hybrid breeding can benefit significantly from advanced breeding techniques like RRGS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To empirically assess the potential and limitations of reciprocal recurrent genomic selection.
• To evaluate selection gain for grain yield in a wheat breeding program using RRGS.

Main Methods:

• Developed genome-wide prediction equations using genomic and phenotypic data from 1,604 single crosses.
• Implemented one cycle of RRGS on the female pool with selection at F2 and F5 stages.
• Evaluated grain yield selection gain across six environments.

Main Results:

• Pronounced genotype-by-environment interactions were observed.
• Excluding two outlier environments, a selection gain of 1.0 dt ha⁻¹ was achieved compared to original parental lines.
• RRGS demonstrated potential for improving hybrid wheat, contingent on robust prediction equations.

Conclusions:

• Reciprocal recurrent genomic selection shows promise for advancing hybrid wheat breeding.
• The development of robust genome-wide predictive equations is crucial for effective RRGS implementation.
• Genotype-by-environment interactions necessitate careful consideration in prediction model development.