Quantitative genetics of rice: V. Evaluating the potential of pedigrees founded on three-way and double crosses to yield superior recombinant inbred lines with the biometrical breeding method

Abstract This paper discusses the modifications needed to be made to the biometrical breeding method proposed for single crosses in a previous paper ( Lawrence and Senadhira, 1998 ) when used with pedigrees founded on three-way and double crosses. It is suggested that, if the S 0 and S 2 generations of the latter replace the F 1 and F 3 generations of the pedigrees of single crosses, it is possible for breeders to evaluate three- and four-parent crosses in the same programme as single crosses.