Strategies for multi-trait selection of sweet sorghum progenies

Abstract

The selection of sweet sorghum genotypes is based on multiple agronomical and technological traits. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of inter-trait recovery information in improving the selective accuracy of the predicted genetic values of sweet sorghum progenies, and to compare several selection indices in terms of selection gains using single- and multi-trait mixed models. The trials were conducted in two sites. The traits flowering time, plant height, green mass production, total soluble solids content, and tons of Brix per hectare were assessed. Significant genetic variance was observed for all traits, except for total soluble solids content. The multi-trait analysis provided more accurate estimates of genetic parameters and predictions of the progeny genetic values, and higher selection gain than the single-trait analysis. The direct selection for TBH and the FAI/BLUP index resulted in balanced genetic gains for the assessed traits.