Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Polycross‐ and Self‐Progeny Tests in Increasing the Yield of Alfalfa Synthetic Varieties¹

Selection for forage yield based on polycross‐ and selfprogeny performance was practiced on two broadbased alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) populations by selecting the best 10% as parents for experimental synthetic varieties. Random samples of 60 plants from populations A and B were assessed for breeding value to compare the efficiencies of the polycross‐ and the self‐progeny test methods. The best six plants from each population and from each test method were selected as parents for synthetic varieties. The Syn 2 generations of several experimental synthetics were evaluated near Raleigh, N. C.; Reno, Nevada; and Prosser, Washington. Selection based on both methods of progeny testing was ineffective in increasing yield. The study indicated the importance of genotype ✕ environment interactions on selection experiments.