A plant breeder has determined the following variances for yield of corn in his fields: $$\begin{array} { l | c }
\hline \text { Total phenotypic variance } & 100 \
\hline \text { Additive genetic variance } & 30 \
\hline \text { Dominance genetic variance } & 50 \
\hline \text { Environmental variance } & 20 \
\hline
\end{array}$$ Assume that there is no genetic-environmental interaction or other variances.
a. Calculate the total genetic variance.
b. Calculate the broad-sense heritability indicated by the data.
c. Calculate the narrow-sense heritability indicated by the data.
d. The breeder wishes to improve yield. If the average yield in the starting population is 400 and the breeder selects for breeding plants with an average yield of 500, what will be the expected average yield among the offspring of the selected plants?

Question

A plant breeder has determined the following variances for yield of corn in his fields: $$\begin{array} { l | c } 
\hline \text { Total phenotypic variance } & 100 \
\hline \text { Additive genetic variance } & 30 \
\hline \text { Dominance genetic variance } & 50 \
\hline \text { Environmental variance } & 20 \
\hline
\end{array}$$ Assume that there is no genetic-environmental interaction or other variances.
a. Calculate the total genetic variance.
b. Calculate the broad-sense heritability indicated by the data.
c. Calculate the narrow-sense heritability indicated by the data.
d. The breeder wishes to improve yield. If the average yield in the starting population is 400 and the breeder selects for breeding plants with an average yield of 500, what will be the expected average yield among the offspring of the selected plants?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer of A plant breeder has determined the following variances for yield of corn in his fields: $$\begin{array} { l | c } 
\hline \text { Total phenotypic variance } & 100 \
\hline \text { Additive genetic variance } & 30 \
\hline \text { Dominance genetic variance } & 50 \
\hline \text { Environmental variance } & 20 \
\hline
\end{array}$$ Assume that there is no genetic-environmental interaction or other variances.
a. Calculate the total genetic variance.
b. Calculate the broad-sense heritability indicated by the data.
c. Calculate the narrow-sense heritability indicated by the data.
d. The breeder wishes to improve yield. If the average yield in the starting population is 400 and the breeder selects for breeding plants with an average yield of 500, what will be the expected average yield among the offspring of the selected plants?

A Plant Breeder Has Determined the Following Variances for Yield