Question

Arrange the following steps of mass selection method of flower crop improvement in correct sequence?
(A) Selection of plants with similar but desirable traits from variable population.
(B) Planting of composite seeds in preliminary yield trials and evaluation of phenotype of selected population.
(C) Evaluation of promising selections in coordinated yield trials at multi-locations.
(D) Compositing of seeds from selected plants.
(E) Seed multiplication of outstanding selection for distribution.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (C), (D), (E), (B), (A)
• B. (A), (D), (C), (B), (E)
• C. (A), (D), (B), (C), (E)
• D. (C), (B), (E), (A), (D)

Hint:

Steps in Mass Selection: 1. Select desirable plants from a mixed population (A). 2. Harvest and composite (mix) seeds from selected plants (D). 3. Grow the composite seed and evaluate the new population (often in preliminary trials) (B). 4. If promising, conduct further advanced trials (multi-location) (C). 5. Multiply seeds of the improved population/variety for release (E).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Selection of plants (A) must come first; sequences starting with evaluation trials (C) are ruled out.
Step 2: Selected plants' seed is composited (D) right after selection, before any trial is run.
Step 3: A preliminary trial (B) is run first; only its promising selections move to coordinated multi-location trials (C).
Step 4: Correct order is A, D, B, C, E - the outstanding selection is then multiplied (E) for distribution.