mass selection

Mass selection is a biological process where individuals with desirable traits are chosen for breeding, while those with undesirable traits are eliminated. This method is a form of artificial selection, also known as selective breeding, where humans intentionally manipulate heritable variations in a species to propagate desired qualities.12

In practice, mass selection involves collecting seeds from individuals that appear superior and then sowing these mixed seeds to create the next generation. This approach, sometimes called phenotypic selection, relies on observable characteristics. It has been historically used to improve existing varieties of crops and is common in horticulture. A refinement involves harvesting the best plants separately, growing their offspring, and then destroying poorer-performing offspring, basing selection on both parent appearance and progeny performance. Mass selection is considered one of the simplest and least expensive plant-breeding procedures. It is most effective when the desired trait is highly heritable and appears early in life.34