Embrapa Café launches publication on genetic selection methods for improving Arabica coffee

The new publication in the Embrapa series, Documents nº19 – “Optimal methods of genetic selection in the improvement of Arabica coffee”, launched by Embrapa Café, coordinator of the Café Research Consortium, aims to present in detail the main factors that dictate the success of a breeding program, and also develops theory and makes practical recommendations regarding these factors in Arabica coffee cultivation.

According to Embrapa Café researcher Marcos Deon, author of the publication, the main factors that dictate the success of a breeding program are: efficiency in the selection process (optimal selection methods); appropriate improvement strategy (recurrent selection method and crossing design); short generations of improvement, that is, early selection maximizing the genetic gain per unit of time.

According to the publication, the optimal selection methods for perennial autogamous plants are: matrix-individual rogeny index for selection in the initial phase; family-individual-progeny index for early selection; Individual blup within generations of self-fertilization; Blup of families and multipopulations within generations; Blup of families and multigenerations, between and within generations; Total multigenerational blip with parents, populations and progenies; Individual blup with repeated measures and inbreeding; Individual blup with structured covariance matrix for repeated measures; Individual blup for selection for homeostasis under biennial production.

The work highlights that combined selection involving three generations was slightly superior to combined selection involving two generations. The index that uses all available genetic variability between and within populations and generations, combining information from parents, populations, progenies and generations (SIPPPG) also allows selection to be carried out in F3 based on 6 pieces of information: 3 from populations in F1 to F3, one of F3 progenies and both parents. You can also have information about plants within F3.

For recombination in an intrapopulation recurrent selection program in a hybrid population (originating from F1), the publication emphasizes that it is not necessary to postpone selection beyond F4 (early selection in F2, F3 or F4), and highlights that it can be adopt early selection in the F3 generation, exploiting the great genetic variability between and within F3 lines. Heterosis for several characters reveals that carrying out selection right after F1 or F2 hybridization, associated with vegetative propagation, should be the most efficient strategy, as, in addition to capturing maximum heterosis, it reduces the length of the selective cycle. According to the author, the strategy of hybridization followed by selection and commercial vegetative propagation should be used routinely aiming for maximum gains in productivity and the perpetuation of individuals resistant to diseases and pests. This Arabica coffee genetic selection methodology is innovative and efficient, and simultaneously uses vegetative and seminal propagation data.