Multiple-Traits Selection in White Guinea Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) Genotypes

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Breeding
• Genetics

Background:

• Crop genetic improvement relies on selecting superior parents for hybridization and identifying elite variants for new cultivars.
• White Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) breeding requires effective methods to assess and select genotypes with desired agronomic and food quality traits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the genetic potential of 36 white yam parental lines using a multi-trait index-based approach.
• To identify elite genotypes for simultaneous improvement of multiple agronomic and food quality traits in white yam.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 6x6 triple lattice design with three replications for 36 white yam genotypes.
• Phenotyped genotypes for 18 agronomic and food quality traits.
• Applied Factor Analysis and Ideotype-based BLUP (FAI-BLUP) index for multi-trait selection.

Main Results:

• Significant genetic differences were observed across all 18 assessed traits among the white yam genotypes.
• Fifteen traits exhibited desired genetic gains, while stem diameter and two starch properties showed undesired selection gains.
• The FAI-BLUP index yielded substantial total genetic gains: 148.91% for desired increases and -29.26% for desired decreases.

Conclusions:

• Genotypes TDr08-21-2, TDr9518544, TDr9501932, TDr8902665, and Pampars are identified as elite candidates for white yam breeding.
• The FAI-BLUP index is an effective tool for identifying and selecting superior genotypes for simultaneous trait improvement in white yam.
• This study advances genetic improvement strategies for white Guinea yam through robust genotype evaluation.