10 tables, 1 fig., 38 ref.; Append. Summary (En)

F3 single plant traits were tested as possible selection criteria for increasing yield potential. F3 plants were grown spaced in a glasshouse. All F3 traits showed significant genotypic variation which was usually greater for progeny lines than for parents although only occasionally significantly so. Broad sense heritability was generally moderate to high. F3 lines were advanced by single seed descent for replicated F7 and F8 yield experiments, two in each of 1982 and 1983. Yield levels were high (mean yield 5.9 t per ha at 10 percent moisture) and largely free of interference from lodging and disease. The progeny main effect on grain yield was highly significant, but no progeny line significantly outyielded the best parent. Best correlations with progeny grain yield were given by F3 plant height, F3 kernel weight, F3 harvest index, F3 leaf angle and F3 spike number. Retrospective selection in F3 using these traits singly at a selection intensity of 25 percent gave increases in population mean yield (0 to +12 percent) and in the proportion of high yielding lines, but only selection in F3 for reduced stature is considered worthwhile for advancing yield potential

English

MIC 9177-R|CSIRO