Genetic gains in two selection phases of a wheat-breeding programme

Genetic gain in field crops is usually estimated as the collective contribution of several breeding programmes. Critical to an individual breeder, however, is the genetic gain realized within a single programme. Our objective was to quantify per-annum genetic gains from 1969 to 1993 within two successive phases of experimental line testing in the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding programme of the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station. Data for grain yield (Phases I and II), volume weight and heading date (Phase II) were analysed according to the procedure developed by St. Martin and McBlain (1991). Genetic gains for grain yield were indistinguishable between phases, averaging 4.6 ± 1.1 and 4.2 ± 1.3% of the control mean across the 24-year period. Genetic gain for volume weight averaged only 0.2% of the check mean, reflecting lower selection pressure for that trait compared to grain yield. Inconsistent genetic gains in heading date reflect a preference for a window of desirable heading dates rather than difficulties in selecting uni-directionally for maturity. The absence of a decline in genetic gain in recent years indicates that future improvement in grain yield is likely; however, increased attention must be given to volume weight to maintain US domestic and export standards for hard winter wheat. The statistical procedure was useful in monitoring long-term trends in genetic gains and identifying gaps in programme efficiency.