Genetic parameters and selection of maize cultivars using Bayesian inference in a multi-trait linear model

ABSTRACT

Variance components must be obtained to estimate genetic parameters and predict breeding values. In studies which take many traits into account, it is reasonable to use the Bayesian approach for the estimation of genetic parameters. The main goal of the present research was not only to consider the genetic correlations of the examined traits, but above all to estimate unknown genetic parameters and to gain profits from the selection. Bayesian inference was also useful for the selection of the best maize varieties. It was applied to predict genetic values in the multi-traits linear model. Thirteen maize cultivars representing the traits of our interest were studied by means of Bayesian inference. The traits are the number of plants before harvest, the grain yield, the length of the ears, the mass of leaves and the number of ears. The experiment involved a randomised block design with four replications and ten plants per plot. The highest correlation estimates were found between the number of plants before harvest and the number of ears, jointly with the grain yield and the number of ears. Lower correlation estimates were found between the length of the ears and the number of ears as well as the grain yield and the length of the ears. The research confirms that the best varieties to be grown are: Clarica, NK Cooler, Drim and PR 39K13. The Bayesian approach proved to be useful in selection studies, which can further be used to improve the studied genotypes.

KEYWORDS:

• Breeding progress
• correlations
• genetic parameters
• integrated control
• modelling
• Zea mays L

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Jan Bocianowski has an M.Sc. in mathematics awarded in 1998; he achieved a Ph.D. in agriculture six years later in 2004. He is an interdisciplinary researcher, specialising in biometry and statistics for agriculture, plant breeding, biology and genetics. Jan has authored or co-authored over 300 scientific publications, of which around 150 were published in journals listed in Journal Citation Reports by Thompson Reuters.

Kamila Nowosad achieved a Ph.D. in agriculture in 2009. Her main research area is plant genetics, agrobiotechnology and plant breeding.

Piotr Szulc obtained his master's degree in 1998. He obtained the Ph.D. degree in 2003. Since 2017 he has held the position of associate professor at the Department of Agronomy of the Poznan, University of Life Sciences. His research interests mainly cover agrotechnics of agricultural plants with particular emphasis on cereal plants. He is the author of many scientific publications on national and international coverage.

Anna Tratwal achieved a Ph.D. in agriculture in 2006, since 2015 she has held the position of associate professor of the Institute of Plant Protection – National Research Institute. She is the author of about 170 scientific publications on national and international coverage. Within the framework of her professional activity she participate in seminars and post-graduate studies organised by IPP – NRI for the employees of National Health and Seed Inspection Service, Agricultural Advisory Center, agricultural producers and other parties interested in issues of signalling, forecasting and methods of monitoring of pests of cultivated plants.

Ewa Bakinowska has an M.Sc. in mathematics awarded in 1995; she achieved a Ph.D. in agriculture nine years later in 2004. She is an interdisciplinary researcher, specialising in statistics and biometry for agriculture, plant breeding and soil science. In the area of her scientific activities are, in particular, statistical analyses of categorical data using the logistic models. She is the author of many scientific publications on national and international coverage.

Dariusz Piesik graduated master's degree in 1995. He obtained the Ph.D. degree in 2000 and D.Sc. in 2009. Since 2018 he received the title of full professor. His research interests mainly cover pests of agricultural plants, volatile organic compounds released as consequence of abiotic and biotic stress, communication between plants. He is an author of many scientific publications on a global scale.

ORCID

Jan Bocianowski http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0102-0084

Kamila Nowosad http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6837-7806

Piotr Szulc http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9670-3231

Anna Tratwal http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9611-8799

Ewa Bakinowska http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1211-5046

Dariusz Piesik http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4192-9783