Question:

The consequences of G $\times$ E interaction in a plant breeding experiment are -
(A) It reduces the association between phenotypic and genotypic values
(B) It makes a selection from one environment to perform poorly in another environment
(C) It affects the estimate of heritability, genetic advance, and dominance ratio
(D) It makes the selection of a breeding program much easier
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

$G \times E$ interaction is a major hurdle for plant breeders because it masks genetic potential under different environmental conditions, reducing heritability and making selection more difficult and expensive.
  • (A), (B) and (C) only.
  • (A), (B) and (D) only.
  • (A), (C) and (D) only.
  • (B), (C) and (D) only.
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Genotype by Environment ($G \times E$) interaction refers to the differential response of genotypes across different environmental conditions.
When genotypes perform differently in varying environments, the phenotypic expression of a trait is no longer a direct reflection of its genetic potential alone.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze the stated consequences of $G \times E$ interaction:
- (A) It reduces the association between phenotypic and genotypic values: This is correct.
Because the environment significantly modifies the phenotype, a superior genotype may not exhibit a superior phenotype in a poor environment, which decreases the correlation between genotype and phenotype.
- (B) It makes a selection from one environment to perform poorly in another environment: This is correct.
A line selected for high yield in a well-irrigated environment may fail to perform well when grown under drought conditions due to this interaction.
- (C) It affects the estimate of heritability, genetic advance, and dominance ratio: This is correct.
$G \times E$ interaction inflates the environmental variance component, which mathematically reduces the narrow-sense and broad-sense heritability estimates and consequently lowers the expected genetic advance from selection.
- (D) It makes the selection of a breeding program much easier: This is incorrect.
Instead of making it easier, $G \times E$ interaction significantly complicates the selection process, requiring multi-location and multi-year testing trials to identify stable genotypes.
Therefore, only statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The consequences of $G \times E$ interaction are (A), (B) and (C) only.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top ICAR AIEEA Genetics & Plant Breeding Questions

View More Questions