Principles of Plant Breeding (2+1)

Merits and demerits of Mass Selection

Merits
1. Varieties developed will be having more adaptability since each plant is genotypicaly not similar. They have buffering action against abnormal environment.
2. Time taken for release of a variety is less.
3. The genetic variability present in the original population is maintained.

Demerits:
1. Compared to pure line variety they may not be uniform.
2. In the absence of progeny test we are not sure whether the superiority of selected plant is due to environment or genotype.
3. May not be as uniform as that of a pureline variety and certification is difficult.