Selecting for multiple traits in complex production systems: A case study of sugarcane in China

Genetic improvement of crops has been critical in reducing costs of production and improving quality and reliability of supply of food worldwide. Genetic improvement depends on testing, ranking, and selecting large numbers of candidate genotypes for predicted commercial value, based on data obtained in selection trials. However, this is often difficult because genotypes can vary for many different traits affecting costs across the value chain, including growing, harvesting, transport, processing, and sales revenue.