Estimation and prediction of parameters and breeding values in soybean using REML/BLUP and Least Squares

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare REML/BLUP and Least Square procedures in the prediction andestimation of genetic parameters and breeding values in soybean progenies. F2:3 and F4:5 progenies were evaluated in the2005/06 growing season and the F2:4 and F4:6 generations derived thereof were evaluated in 2006/07. These progenies wereoriginated from two semi-early experimental lines that differ in grain yield. The experiments were conducted in a lattice designand plots consisted of a 2 m row, spaced 0.5 m apart. The trait grain yield per plot was evaluated. It was observed that earlyselection is more efficient for the discrimination of the best lines from the F4 generation onwards. No practical differences wereobserved between the least square and REML/BLUP procedures in the case of the models and simplifications for REML/BLUPused here.

Keywords

• mixed models
• early selection
• Glycine max