| dc.description.abstract | Visual selection is a common practice in wheat breeding programs. In fact, it is the best tool for selecting genotypes with the desirable traits from segregating populations. However, there are always subjective differences among breeders depending on theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and knowledge of the genetic background of the populations. Because of these differences, breeders need a tool that will increase the probability of selecting improved wheat genotypes for important agronomic traits such as grain yield, biomass, nitrogen use efficiency, etc. Hence, non-destructive canopy reflectance measurements have been proposed as an additional tool for selection of wheat genotypes prior to their entry into replicated multi-location trials (F4-F6). Normalized-difference vegetative index (NOVI), in-season estimated yiield (INSEY), and estimated yield (EY) are the canopy reflectance measurements utilized in this experiment. The objectives were to determine the association of NOVI, INSEY, and EY with important agronomic traits such as grain yield, biomass, and nitrogen use efficiency, and to determine their value as selection criteria for identifying potentially superior wheat genotypes. | |
