Peer review

Open Access

Increasing the rate of genetic gain in breeding programs is a critical component of crop genetic improvement strategies to increase yields in smallholder farmers' fields. While a growing array of technologies and tools are being deployed within breeding programs, optimizing resource allocation could provide a simple yet effective way to increase genetic gain, particularly within resource-constrained breeding programs. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that an easy-to-use deterministic model and a breeding costing tool could identify key modifications to improve the efficiency of breeding within the Zimbabwean national maize breeding program. The current program uses pedigree inbreeding, with a 4-1-1 tester scheme, and relatively low selection intensity. The method of inbreeding, test-crossing schemes, and selection intensity were modified within the current program budget. A combination of using doubled haploid lines, a 2-2-1 tester plan, and increased selection intensity improved gain per cycle by 42.8%, gain per year by 161.8%, gain per dollar by 43.1%, and decreased cost of one unit of genetic gain by 28.5% without a change in budget. Our results highlight how a simple deterministic model can identify steps to greatly improve breeding efficiency within resource-constrained breeding programs.

Text in English

Sneller, C. : Not in IRS staff list but CIMMYT Affiliation

Madahana, S.L. : Not in IRS staff list but CIMMYT Affiliation

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) Accelerating Genetic Gains in Maize and Wheat (AGG) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Government of Zimbabwe Breeding for Tomorrow

https://hdl.handle.net/10568/179253