Cumulative selection differentials and realized heritabilities with overlapping generations

Abstract

ABSTRACTIt is shown that a commonly used method of calculating cumulative selection differentials in experiments where generations overlap is biased, and consequently leads to biased estimates of realized heritability. In one example, the heritability was underestimated by about one-fifth. Since genetic variation in a given progeny crop may be increased by genetic differences between parental age groups, realized heritability estimated by regression may not agree with base population estimates. An alternative form of analysis is proposed to allow for this effect.