Mass Selection and Pedigree Breeding Methods

Classical breeding workflows

Mass selection — choose best plants from population, intermate, repeat cycles. Simple but slow for low-heritability traits. Pedigree breeding — track each cross and line; select among F₂–F₆ generations before variety release.

Pedigree method steps

1. Make controlled cross between two parents.
2. Grow F₁ (uniform hybrid).
3. Self-pollinate F₁ to produce segregating F₂.
4. Select superior F₂ plants; self to F₃ lines.
5. Replicate line trials in F₄–F₆; purify homozygous lines.

Heritability influence

High heritability traits (e.g., some seed colors) respond quickly to selection. Low heritability traits (yield) require replicated trials and larger population sizes to distinguish genetic from environmental noise.