Application of selection indices in the context of the winter wheat breeding program

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study is to analyze breeding progress using indices as ratios of quantitative traits, based on long-term data analysis of plant quantitative parameters that directly or indirectly affect the productivity of varieties and breeding lines. Methods. Long-term data of structural analysis of plants of wheat varieties and lines of winter Poltava breeding for 2000-2018 for a number of quantitative traits, harvest index and attraction index were taken as material for the study. Statistica 7 was used for statistical data processing. Results. A significant increase of the harvest index under the pressure of selection for the period 2000-2018 is shown. In the early breeding stages during the selection by attraction index, it is necessary to adhere to the limits of oscillation of this index, set by the breeder in accordance with their model of variety, eliminating genotypes with sharp fluctuations in the value of this index. Conclusions. In breeding programs, in order to improve the productivity of winter wheat, it is recommended to select by attraction index in early stages of breeding, to form groups of lines with attraction index of greater than one, to search for lines with the maximum value of the harvest index, to select breeding nurseries for high seed productivity, paying particular attention to the strength of the stem. Keywords: winter wheat, selection indices, harvest index, attraction index, traits.