Lesson 1.1 Methods of Plant Breeding
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Section 1: Plant Breeding and Propagation
Lesson 1: Methods of Plant Breeding
You will have noticed that some plants are larger, sturdier and hardier than others.
The reason for these differences in characteristics lies in the genetic make-up of the individual, whether it be a human, an animal, or a plant. Since some characteristics are considered to be more desirable than others, scientists strive to find methods of propagating these characteristics by changing the genetic make-up of the organism.
Plant breeding is the science of changing the genetics of plants in order to produce and propagate desired characteristics in them. It has been practised informally for about 10,000 years (near the beginning of civilization) and has consisted of selecting the best food plants to use as a seed source for subsequent generations.
The reason for these differences in characteristics lies in the genetic make-up of the individual, whether it be a human, an animal, or a plant. Since some characteristics are considered to be more desirable than others, scientists strive to find methods of propagating these characteristics by changing the genetic make-up of the organism.
Plant breeding is the science of changing the genetics of plants in order to produce and propagate desired characteristics in them. It has been practised informally for about 10,000 years (near the beginning of civilization) and has consisted of selecting the best food plants to use as a seed source for subsequent generations.
Gregor Johann Mendel (1822-1884) is known as the Father of Genetics.
It wasn't until the 19th century, that Gregor Mendel, an Austrian scientist and monk, began scientific experimentation in the monastery garden to produce hybrid pea plants with improved genetics, i.e., plants producing peas with desired characteristics.
Mendel was the first to discover that an offspring's inherited traits do not blend from the traits of its parents, but remain intact throughout generations. This ultimately led to the science of modern genetics.
In April, 2012, a new variety of potato was being developed at the agricultural reasearch centre in Lethbridge, Alberta, with field trials being done in Vauxhall, Alberta.
The new potato, known as AR 2012-04, has a very low glycemic index, which is ideal for people who have diabetes.
The developers estimated that it would take another three to five years before it would reach grocery store shelves, since it had yet to undergo industry testing and marketing.
Another interesting development, being conducted at Washington State University, involves creating a new variety of apple. To read more about this, click here.
• Improved quality, flavor, or greater beauty.
• Increased yield of the crop.
• Increased tolerance of environmental pressures.
• Resistance to viruses, fungi and bacteria.
The new potato, known as AR 2012-04, has a very low glycemic index, which is ideal for people who have diabetes.
The developers estimated that it would take another three to five years before it would reach grocery store shelves, since it had yet to undergo industry testing and marketing.
Another interesting development, being conducted at Washington State University, involves creating a new variety of apple. To read more about this, click here.
• Improved quality, flavor, or greater beauty.
• Increased yield of the crop.
• Increased tolerance of environmental pressures.
• Resistance to viruses, fungi and bacteria.
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Modern methods of plant breeding can be categorized into two general approaches as outlined here:
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Conventional methods
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selection
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hybridization
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induced mutation
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Biotechnological methods
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in vitro cultivation and regeneration
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genetic engineering
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| In the next two parts of this section, we will take a closer look at each of these methods of plant breeding. |