The estimation of cross yield using early generation and parental yields in dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Summary The relationship between the yield potential of crosses for several generations and the yield of either the parental varieties or early segregating generations was studied. It was found that if plants were grown at crop densities then a high degree of prediction of cross potential was possible independent of year or generation. Prediction was much less efficient however if either the parents or the early generations were grown as spaced plants. It is concluded that at crop densities an accurate assessment of parental yields is sufficient to determine which crosses are most likely to have a high yield potential and that if any cross proves to be low yielding in early generations it may safely be rejected without fear of losing potentially high yielding crosses. Reasons for the failure of predictions, as reported in the literature, are discussed.