Mass selection
A breeding method where a group of plants with desirable phenotypic traits is selected from a population to produce seeds for the next generation without individual progeny testing.
Также говорят: mass breeding, phenotypic selection
This method is primarily used in cross-pollinating crops to improve specific traits such as yield, maturity, or disease resistance. By harvesting seeds from the best-performing plants in bulk, farmers can shift the population average toward more favorable characteristics over several growing seasons.
A critical challenge is the influence of environmental factors, which can mask the true genetic potential of the plant. Common mistakes include selecting plants in heterogeneous field conditions or failing to account for the source of pollen, which can significantly reduce the genetic gain of the breeding program.