Multivariate analysis approach to selection of parents for hybridization aiming at yield improvement in self-pollinated crops

Abstract

A method of choosing parents for hybridization (aiming at yield improvement) by quantitatively measuring the genetic divergence is described, with the use of data on several characters measured on 40 genotypes of wheat (Triticum aestivum) which had their origin in different ecogeographic regions of Australia. The genotypes were grouped into 12 gene constellations by this method. The method of formulating a crossing programme based on the information on statistical distance between different gene constellations is discussed briefly.