Summary
Genetic variance components and heritability were estimated for cut-flower yield of gerbera in the Davis population using ordinary least squares and maximum likelihood methods. The overall estimate of narrow-sense heritability is 0.33 based on least squares (LS) and 0.31 based on maximum likelihood (ML). The results of the study indicate that (1) ML and LS provide very similar results if sample size is large enough, suggesting both are useful for plant breeding programs; (2) about one third of the variation in gerbera cut-flower yield is additive, implying selection in cut-flower will be successful; and (3) although additive variation gradually decreased, heritability remained near 0.27 suggesting there is still potential variation in the population for further selection.
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Harding, J., Huang, H. & Byrne, T. Estimation of genetic variance components and heritabilities for cut-flower yield in gerbera using least squares and maximum likelihood methods. Euphytica 88, 55–60 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00029265
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00029265