Gain by selection was estimated for three traits, in six wheat populations (Triticum aestivum L.) evaluating: plant height, number of grains per spike and spike length. The study was conducted in Viçosa, MG, Brazil in crosses made between the varieties: BH 1146 and BR 24, of high stature, BR 12 and EMBRAPA 22, of short stature, consisting of a balanced diallel, without self pollination. The evaluations were made in the generations F3 and F4. In generation F3, the selection of individual plants was accomplished based on plant height. The 20 tallest plants and the 20 shortest were harvested in each population, and submitted to a progeny test in generation F4. Predictions of genetic gains, were obtained using three simulations: selection among families, selection within families and mass selection. The selection differential varied from 5 to 25%. The gains showed great variation among populations and procedures. The results suggested the possibility of gains in the selection of all characteristics. The procedure that showed the highest gain was the selection among families and mass selection.
Triticum aestivum; wheat; selection gain; plant height