Selection for white kernel color in the progeny of red/white wheat crosses

Summary

Data are presented which support early generation selection for white kernel color in the progeny of red/white kernel wheat crosses which are segregating at 12 or more loci for yield (or any other trait of interest). The optimum generation for selecting white kernels is determined by the frequency of seeds produced with the potential to produce plants having desired quantitative alleles from both parents, and by the frequency of white kernels produced. The F₂-produced seed (F₃ embryo) is shown to be the optimum generation for selecting white kernels, given that 12 or more loci are segregating for a quantitative character such as yield. When the red parent is a 2 or 3 loci red genotype, selection among F₄-produced seed for white kernel color may be desirable when 5 or fewer genes are segregating for the second trait. The results have direct application for all highly heritable, recessive, sporophytic traits.