Genetic Parameters in Horticulture and Arboriculture

Genetic parameters are values that describe the influence of genes on various phenotypic traits. The most important parameters include: heritability (a measure indicating what portion of the variability of a given trait is due to the action of genes in a population), genetic correlation (a measure that describes the interdependence between two traits at the genetic level), and breeding value (an assessment of an individual’s genetic potential in transmitting traits to offspring). The most crucial parameters that can facilitate the breeding process are those related to the effects of additive gene action and dominance gene action, as well as their interactions. Estimating genetic parameters is a key element in the fields of population genetics and breeding. These parameters allow for understanding how genes affect phenotypic traits and how these traits can be controlled and improved through selection. Modern methods of estimating genetic parameters rely on both classical statistical methods and advanced molecular genetics techniques.