Comparison of non-parametric indexes to select soybean genotypes obtained by recurrent selection

Abstract

In the final steps of a breeding program, it is necessary to evaluate several traits, which makes it difficult to select the superior genotypes. This study aimed to compare nonlinear indexes in the selection of superior soybean inbred lines obtained by recurrent selection. The experiment was carried out in Londrina, Paraná State, Brazil. During the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons, 67 soybean inbred lines and two commercial controls (BMX Potência RR and NK 7059 RR) were evaluated. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replicates. The evaluated traits were: days to maturity, agronomic value, lodging, first pod insertion height, and grain yield. A combined analysis of variance for seasons was performed and the sum of ranks index, ideotype distance index, and cultivars selection index were applied. All traits were significant for the genotypic source of variation and showed complex genotype × environment interactions. The selection indexes were consistent with each other. The ideotype and cultivar selection index showed higher concordance on indication of 15 superior inbred lines with a coefficient of coincidence of 80%. The inbred lines SR-03, SR-12, SR-22, SR-41, SR-49, SR-55, SR-61, and SR-62 were indicated for all indexes and are therefore considered superior to other inbred lines.