Question

What is plant breeding? Write their steps.

Answer 1

Plant breeding is purposeful manipulation of plant species in order to create desired genotypes and phenotypes for the benefit of mankind.

The steps are:

1. Creation of genetic variation through either domestication, plant introduction, mutation, hybridization, polyploidy, germplasm collection, somaclonal variation, genetic engineering etc.

2. Selection of the desirable characteristics or their combinations in the crop. Seeds from the selected plants are harvested and used to raise the next generation, rest of the plants are ordinarily rejected.

3. Evaluation of selected strains or lines or populations by yield trails and by comparing other traits with existing best varieties.

4. Multiplication of evaluated lines for the large-scale production.

5. Distribution of certified seeds to farmers for the commercial purposes.