SimpleMating

SimpleMating predicts and optimizes breeding crosses in crops by estimating cross performance and implementing an optimization algorithm to maximize target criteria while minimizing inbreeding.

Key Features:

• Cross Performance Estimation: Calculates mid-parental value, cross total genetic value, and/or usefulness for a set of crosses.
• Optimization Algorithm: Maximizes a target criterion while minimizing next-generation inbreeding.
• Flexible Constraints: Enables specification of desired number of crosses, maximum and minimum crosses per parent, and maximum allowable parent relationship for creating crosses.
• Multi-trait Support: Generates mating plans using single or multi-trait criteria from the target parental population.

Scientific Applications:

• Crop Breeding Programs: Designs crosses for crops with different reproductive systems and breeding designs to increase genetic gain while maintaining genetic diversity.
• Long-term Genetic Improvement: Supports data-driven decisions to achieve higher genetic means over time with reduced loss of genetic diversity.
• Genomic Selection Integration: Enhances conventional genomic selection programs by optimizing parental combinations and mate allocation.

Methodology:

SimpleMating operates through two modules: first estimating cross performance using criteria such as mid-parental value, cross total genetic value, and/or usefulness; second implementing an optimization algorithm to maximize the target criterion while minimizing next-generation inbreeding.