Question

Briefly describe various steps involved in plant breeding.

Answer 1

Plant breeding is the process where two genetically dissimilar varieties are purposely crossed to produce a new hybrid variety to improve the quality of food. The various steps involved in plant breeding are as follows:

(a). Collection of genetic variability: At this step, different types of genes from wild varieties are collected to maintain genetic diversity. It is also called as germplasm collection.

(b). Evaluation of germplasm and selection of parents: At this step, evaluation of the desired gene from germplasm for breeding is done.

(c). Cross-hybridization between selected parents: In this step, plants with the desirable characters are crossed to produce hybrids.

(d). Selection of superior hybrids: The progenies of the hybrids having the desired characteristics are selected through scientific evaluation.

(e). Testing, release, and commercialization of new cultivars: The selected progenies are evaluated for characters such as yield, resistance to diseases, performance, etc. by growing them in research fields. After selection and testing of seed, they are distributed to market.