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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 11/5/2009 Publication Date: 11/9/2009 Citation: Casler, M.D. 2009. Improving Efficiency in Breeding Forage Crops. In: Jank, L., editor. 2nd International Symposium on Forage Breeding. Campo Grande, Brazil: EMBRAPA. p. 6. Interpretive Summary: Genetic gains in yield of forage crops have lagged far behind gains made in yield of grain crops. Inefficient breeding procedures are one reason for the lag in yield gains. This book chapter explores methods of improving rate of gain and efficiency of forage breeding programs. It contains data that shows other breeders how to modify their breeding programs to increase the rate of gain per unit time. This chapter will be of interest to other forage breeders. Technical Abstract: Genetic gains in yield of forage crops have lagged far behind gains made in yield of grain crops. Inefficient breeding procedures are one reason for the lag in yield gains. Efficiency of breeding procedures for increased yield can be improved by sowing families into sward plots to accurately measure yield under competitive conditions and by utilizing all additive genetic variance, including that within and among families. Within family genetic variance can be utilized by providing effective selection pressure for proxy traits to yield, including DNA markers and survivorship. |
