Question

Arrange the following steps of mass selection method of flower crop improvement in correct sequence?
(A) Selection of plants with similar but desirable traits from variable population.
(B) Planting of composite seeds in preliminary yield trials and evaluation of phenotype of selected population.
(C) Evaluation of promising selections in coordinated yield trials at multi-locations.
(D) Compositing of seeds from selected plants.
(E) Seed multiplication of outstanding selection for distribution.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (C), (D), (E), (B), (A)
• B. (A), (D), (C), (B), (E)
• C. (A), (D), (B), (C), (E)
• D. (C), (B), (E), (A), (D)

Hint:

Steps in Mass Selection: 1. Select desirable plants from a mixed population (A). 2. Harvest and composite (mix) seeds from selected plants (D). 3. Grow the composite seed and evaluate the new population (often in preliminary trials) (B). 4. If promising, conduct further advanced trials (multi-location) (C). 5. Multiply seeds of the improved population/variety for release (E).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Mass selection is one of the oldest methods of plant breeding, used for improving populations of both self-pollinated and cross-pollinated crops. The general steps are:
(A) Selection of plants with similar but desirable traits from variable population: The process starts by identifying and selecting individual plants from a mixed (variable) population that exhibit the desired characteristics (e.g., flower color, size, plant habit).
(D) Compositing of seeds from selected plants: Seeds from the selected individual plants are harvested and bulked (mixed together) to form a composite seed lot. No progeny testing is done at this stage for individual selections.
(B) Planting of composite seeds in preliminary yield trials and evaluation of phenotype of selected population: The composite seed is grown out in the next generation. This new population (derived from the selected plants) is evaluated, often in preliminary trials, to assess its overall performance and whether the selection was effective in improving the desired traits.
(C) Evaluation of promising selections in coordinated yield trials at multi-locations: If the population from the composite seed shows promise, it may undergo further, more rigorous evaluation, such as coordinated yield trials at multiple locations to assess its stability and adaptability. This step is more typical for developing formal varieties.
(E) Seed multiplication of outstanding selection for distribution: If a superior population/variety is developed through this process, its seed is then multiplied for distribution to growers. So, the logical sequence is A \(\rightarrow\) D \(\rightarrow\) B \(\rightarrow\) C \(\rightarrow\) E. This corresponds to option (3). (A), (D), (B), (C), (E)