Bridging tradition and innovation: a review of computer simulations in plant breeding

The wide range of tools and methods available to plant breeders today has the potential to increase the gain of selection. However, they also result in numerous complex choices in the design of efficient crossing and selection strategies. Computer simulations are essential to optimize breeding programs that are multi-year, high-effort endeavors and to compare process efficiencies without going through field experiments, thus saving both time and field resources. In addition, computer simulations are key to evaluate statistical properties of new methods and procedures as well as to exploit crop growth models and G*E interactions. The first two areas are discussed in great detail in our review. Furthermore, the review evaluates the capabilities, assumptions, and limitations of all publicly available simulation tools highlighting their relevance for the different areas of application.