Abstract
Comments are given on several critical points regarding the merits of reciprocal recurrent selection as a method in hybrid breeding. A review of definitions reveals that the method utilizes general combining ability only. In simplified terms some theory of population genetics is presented and used in comparing the effectiveness of reciprocal recurrent selection with that of recurrent selection for specific combining ability to a single cross. It is found that the latter method need not be inferior if at loci exhibiting overdominance multiple alleles mutually interacting in this way may be assumed to exist. Further comments concern the use of a constant tester, the expected interactions of testcrosses with years and places, and the possibilities of an immediate utilization of testcrosses in commercial hybrids.
It is concluded that reciprocal recurrent selection should not be regarded as a shortcut but as a way to enhance the genetic diversity of breeding stocks for the future. Other methods may be preferable if one has the twofold need for an early output of better hybrids and a long-sighted improvement of the same material.
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Schnell, F.W. On some aspects of reciprocal recurrent selection. Euphytica 10, 24–30 (1961). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00037201
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00037201