Genotyping marker density and prediction models effects in long-term breeding schemes of cross-pollinated crops

Portability of genomic predictions trained on sparse factorial designs across two maize silage breeding cycles

KEY MESSAGE

We validated the efficiency of genomic predictions calibrated on sparse factorial training sets to predict the next generation of hybrids and tested different strategies for updating predictions along generations. Genomic selection offers new prospects for revisiting hybrid breeding schemes by replacing extensive phenotyping of individuals with genomic predictions. Finding the ideal design for training genomic prediction models is still an open question. Previous studies have shown promising predictive abilities using sparse factorial instead of tester-based training sets to predict single-cross hybrids from the same generation. This study aims to further investigate the use of factorials and their optimization to predict line general combining abilities (GCAs) and hybrid values across breeding cycles. It relies on two breeding cycles of a maize reciprocal genomic selection scheme involving multiparental connected reciprocal populations from flint and dent complementary heterotic groups selected for silage performances. Selection based on genomic predictions trained on a factorial design resulted in a significant genetic gain for dry matter yield in the new generation. Results confirmed the efficiency of sparse factorial training sets to predict candidate line GCAs and hybrid values across breeding cycles. Compared to a previous study based on the first generation, the advantage of factorial over tester training sets appeared lower across generations. Updating factorial training sets by adding single-cross hybrids between selected lines from the previous generation or a random subset of hybrids from the new generation both improved predictive abilities. The CDmean criterion helped determine the set of single-crosses to phenotype to update the training set efficiently. Our results validated the efficiency of sparse factorial designs for calibrating hybrid genomic prediction experimentally and showed the benefit of updating it along generations.

Genomic prediction in hybrid breeding: II. Reciprocal recurrent genomic selection with full-sib and half-sib families

KEY MESSAGE

Genomic prediction of GCA effects based on model training with full-sib rather than half-sib families yields higher short- and long-term selection gain in reciprocal recurrent genomic selection for hybrid breeding, if SCA effects are important. Reciprocal recurrent genomic selection (RRGS) is a powerful tool for ensuring sustainable selection progress in hybrid breeding. For training the statistical model, one can use half-sib (HS) or full-sib (FS) families produced by inter-population crosses of candidates from the two parent populations. Our objective was to compare HS-RRGS and FS-RRGS for the cumulative selection gain ([Formula: see text]), the genetic, GCA and SCA variances ([Formula: see text],[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) of the hybrid population, and prediction accuracy ([Formula: see text]) for GCA effects across cycles. Using SNP data from maize and wheat, we simulated RRGS programs over 10 cycles, each consisting of four sub-cycles with genomic selection of [Formula: see text] out of 950 candidates in each parent population. Scenarios differed for heritability [Formula: see text] and the proportion [Formula: see text] of traits, training set (TS) size ([Formula: see text]), and maize vs. wheat. Curves of [Formula: see text] over selection cycles showed no crossing of both methods. If [Formula: see text] was high, [Formula: see text] was generally higher for FS-RRGS than HS-RRGS due to higher [Formula: see text]. In contrast, HS-RRGS was superior or on par with FS-RRGS, if [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were low. [Formula: see text] showed a steeper increase and higher selection limit for scenarios with low [Formula: see text], high [Formula: see text] and large [Formula: see text]. [Formula: see text] and even more so [Formula: see text] decreased rapidly over cycles for both methods due to the high selection intensity and the role of the Bulmer effect for reducing [Formula: see text]. Since the TS for FS-RRGS can additionally be used for hybrid prediction, we recommend this method for achieving simultaneously the two major goals in hybrid breeding: population improvement and cultivar development.

On the usefulness of mock genomes to define heterotic pools, testers, and hybrid predictions in orphan crops

The advances in genomics in recent years have increased the accuracy and efficiency of breeding programs for many crops. Nevertheless, the adoption of genomic enhancement for several other crops essential in developing countries is still limited, especially for those that do not have a reference genome. These crops are more often called orphans. This is the first report to show how the results provided by different platforms, including the use of a simulated genome, called the mock genome, can generate in population structure and genetic diversity studies, especially when the intention is to use this information to support the formation of heterotic groups, choice of testers, and genomic prediction of single crosses. For that, we used a method to assemble a reference genome to perform the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling without needing an external genome. Thus, we compared the analysis results using the mock genome with the standard approaches (array and genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)). The results showed that the GBS-Mock presented similar results to the standard methods of genetic diversity studies, division of heterotic groups, the definition of testers, and genomic prediction. These results showed that a mock genome constructed from the population's intrinsic polymorphisms to perform the SNP calling is an effective alternative for conducting genomic studies of this nature in orphan crops, especially those that do not have a reference genome.