Using the Animal Model to Accelerate Response to Selection in a Self-Pollinating Crop

We used the animal model in S(0) (F(1)) recurrent selection in a self-pollinating crop including, for the first time, phenotypic and relationship records from self progeny, in addition to cross progeny, in the pedigree. We tested the model in Pisum sativum, the autogamous annual species used by Mendel to demonstrate the particulate nature of inheritance. Resistance to ascochyta blight (Didymella pinodes complex) in segregating S(0) cross progeny was assessed by best linear unbiased prediction over two cycles of selection. Genotypic concurrence across cycles was provided by pure-line ancestors. From cycle 1, 102/959 S(0) plants were selected, and their S(1) self progeny were intercrossed and selfed to produce 430 S(0) and 575 S(2) individuals that were evaluated in cycle 2. The analysis was improved by including all genetic relationships (with crossing and selfing in the pedigree), additive and nonadditive genetic covariances between cycles, fixed effects (cycles and spatial linear trends), and other random effects. Narrow-sense heritability for ascochyta blight resistance was 0.305 and 0.352 in cycles 1 and 2, respectively, calculated from variance components in the full model. The fitted correlation of predicted breeding values across cycles was 0.82. Average accuracy of predicted breeding values was 0.851 for S(2) progeny of S(1) parent plants and 0.805 for S(0) progeny tested in cycle 2, and 0.878 for S(1) parent plants for which no records were available. The forecasted response to selection was 11.2% in the next cycle with 20% S(0) selection proportion. This is the first application of the animal model to cyclic selection in heterozygous populations of selfing plants. The method can be used in genomic selection, and for traits measured on S(0)-derived bulks such as grain yield.