What is an optimal program size?
The size of the breeding program is something that can increase the genetic gain by taking advantage of factors such as selection intensity or the among- and within-family variance.
These simulation reports demonstrate the trade-offs between of number of parents, crosses and progeny per cross, and provide practical advice on how to set the level of each.
Contact: d.gemenet@cgiar.org
Presentation
Cassava in East Africa (IITA) program size
Between 16-32 parents and 96-204 crosses recommended
Presentation
AfricaRice program size
Between 10-20 new parents recommended per year.
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Beans in East Africa (CIAT) program size
A program size of 20 parents, 80 crosses and 220 progeny is recommended.
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Sweetpotato in East and Central Africa (CIP) program size
Although current program size is performant, crosses could be reduced to allow more progeny.
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Sorghum in East Asia (ICRISAT) program size
A program size of 25 parents, 60 crosses and 300 progeny is recommended.
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Sorghum in Sudan (ICRISAT) program size
Although current scheme is in the optimum range, the number of crosses per year could be increased.
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Biofortified Cassava (IITA) program size
F1 population size can be reduced by up to 80% without great impact on genetic gain.