Genetic parameters and selection in full-sib families of tall fescue using best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) analysis

BACKGROUND: Better understanding of genetic structure of economic traits is crucial for identification and selection of superior genotypes in specific breeding programs. Best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) is the most efficient method in this regard, which is poorly used in forage plant breeding. The present study aimed to assess genetic variation, estimate genetic parameters, and predict breeding values of five essential traits in full sib families (recognized by EST-SSR markers) of tall fescue using REML/BLUP procedure. METHOD: Forty-two full-sib families of tall fescue (included of 120 individual genotypes), recognized by EST-SSR markers along with twenty-one their corresponding parental genotypes were assessed for biomass production and agro-morphological traits at three harvests (spring, summer, and autumn) in the field during 4 years (2017–2020). RESULTS: Considerable genotypic variability was observed for all traits. Low narrow-sense heritability (h(2)(n)) for dry forage yield (DFY) at three harvest indicates that non-additive gene actions may play an important role in the inheritance of this trait. Higher h(2)(n) of yield related traits and flowering time and also significant genetic correlation of these traits with forage yield, suggests that selection based on these traits may lead to indirect genetic improvement of DFY. CONCLUSION: Our results showed the adequacy of REML/BLUP procedure for identification and selection of preferable parental genotypes and progenies with higher breeding values for future breeding programs such as variety development in tall fescue. Parental genotypes 21 M, 1 M, and 20 L were identified as superior and stable genotypes and could also produce the best hybrid combinations when they were mostly used as maternal parent. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12870-022-03675-w.