Genetic gain and selection criteria effects on yield and yield components in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Background and Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and applicability of different selection criteria on grain yield and grain yield components for the purposes of optimizing barley breeding program. Materials and Methods: The experimental material of the cross Timura/Osk.4.208'2-84 included 150 and 26 lines of F-4 generation developed by single seed descent (SSD) and pedigree method, respectively. Trial was set zip as a randomized block design with three repetitions. The following traits were analyzed: stem length, number of spikes per plant, grain weight per primal), spike, grain number per primary spike, grain yield per plant, single grain weight, harvest index and grain yield per plot. Results: Genetic gain estimates showed that pedigree method was efficient for shorter stem, higher number of spikes per plant, and single grain weight and grain yield per plant while single seed descent method was superior for grain yield per plant. Direct genetic gain for grain yield per plot was 33.0% while indirect genetic gain varied from -18.99% to 21.7%, depending on the applied selection criteria. The most efficient indexed selection cuter:. a for improving grain yield were Q12, Q15, Q8 and Q13. Conclusion:The study indicated that the highest efficiency in grain yield per plot was accomplished by "Q" index multi-trait selection approach. Furthermore, plant selection could be directed to a specific traits but it should be carefully exerted due to unfavorable correlations that could cause gain losses in selection.