Assessing the potential of genetic resource introduction into elite germplasm: a collaborative multiparental population for flint maize

• DOI: 10.1007/s00122-023-04509-5
• Publication Date: 2024-01-12T11:02:14Z
• Authors: Dimitri Sanchez; Antoine Allier; Sarah Ben Sadoun; Tristan Mary-Huard; Cyril Bauland; Carine Palaffre; Bernard Lagardère; Delphine Madur; Valérie Combes; Stéphane Melkior; Laurent Bettinger; Alain Murigneux; Laurence Moreau; Alain Charcosset
• Keywords: Germ plasm; Elite

Abstract Key message Implementing a collaborative pre-breeding multi-parental population efficiently identifies promising donor x elite pairs to enrich the flint maize germplasm. Genetic diversity is crucial for maintaining genetic gains and ensuring breeding programs’ long-term success. In closed program, selection inevitably leads loss of diversity. While managing can delay this loss, introducing external sources necessary bring back favorable variation. resources exhibit greater than materials, but their lower performance levels hinder use. This case European maize, which germplasm has incorporated only limited portion available in landraces. To pool, we established an original cooperative bridging that involves crosses between private materials donors create improved genotypes will facilitate incorporation variations. Twenty × BC1S2 families were created phenotyped hybrid value yield related traits. Crosses showed contrasted means variances therefore potential terms as measured by usefulness criterion (UC). Average expected mean gain over initial material was 5%. The most each line identified. Results also suggest one more generation, i.e., 3 total, crossing required fully exploit donor. Altogether, our results support incorporating into maize. They call further effort fixed identify those suitable program.