Investigating the use of satellite selection sites in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) breeding

Abstract

A satellite selection site is a decentralized selection environment that could be employed to expand the influence of existing breeding programmes to additional target environments. This study was designed to establish whether it would be possible to achieve site-specific adaptation in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) through the selection of only a single generation (F₂) at a satellite breeding site. Five soybean populations were subjected to two pedigree selection strategies, and the lines generated were evaluated in trials at both selection localities. The control selection strategy (CSS) entailed selection exclusively at the breeding station (Greytown) from F₂ to F₅ generations. The satellite selection strategy (SSS) involved selection of the F₂ in the target environment (Delmas), followed by the F₃ to F₅ generations at the breeding station (Greytown). In yield trials at the satellite location, lines developed through the SSS performed best, averaging 11.9% higher yield than CSS lines. The results indicated that a single generation (F₂) of selection in the target environment is effective in fixing significant yield adaptation to that environment. The study showed that breeders can use satellite breeding sites to extend the influence of their programmes with very little additional effort.