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Chapter 4

Adjusting

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jaysonbacong3
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Chapter 4

Plant breeding is the science and art of developing new plant varieties with desirable traits. It involves selecting
parent plants with specific characteristics, such as disease resistance, higher yield, improved taste, or better
adaptability to environmental conditions.

 The process can include traditional methods, like cross-pollination and selection, as well as modern
techniques such as genetic engineering and molecular breeding. The goal is to enhance traits that benefit
agriculture, horticulture, or conservation, ultimately leading to improved crops and sustainable practices.

Plant domestication is the process by which wild plants are cultivated and adapted for human use, leading to
changes in their genetics, morphology, and behavior. This transformation typically occurs over generations through
selective breeding and cultivation practices.

Examples of domesticated plants include wheat, rice, maize, and various fruits and vegetables, each of which has
undergone significant changes from their wild ancestors.

Plant domestication includes:


1. Selection of Traits - Early humans selected plants with desirable traits, such as larger fruits, non-shattering
seeds, or better taste, which gradually led to significant changes in the plants.
2. Genetic Changes - Over time, domesticated plants often exhibit genetic differences from their wild relatives,
resulting in traits that are more beneficial for agriculture.
3. Human Influence - The cultivation environment, including soil management, irrigation, and pest control,
plays a critical role in shaping domesticated plants.
4. Cultural Importance - Domestication is tied to human civilization, as it enabled the development of
agriculture, which in turn supported population growth and the establishment of settled societies.

Plant Breeding is the practice of developing new plant varieties by selecting parent plants with specific desirable
traits, such as improved yield, disease resistance, or better flavor. This can be done through traditional methods,
like cross-pollination and selection, or through modern techniques such as genetic engineering. The goal of plant
breeding is to create plants that are more useful for agriculture, horticulture, or environmental purposes.

Complex Inheritance refers to the genetic basis of traits that are influenced by multiple genes (polygenic traits) and
environmental factors. Unlike simple Mendelian traits, which are controlled by a single gene, complex inheritance
involves interactions among various genes, leading to a range of phenotypes. Examples include traits like plant
height, flower color, and yield, where many genes contribute to the final expression of the trait. Understanding
complex inheritance is essential for plant breeding, as it helps breeders predict how traits will be passed on and
expressed in future generations.

International plant breeding refers to collaborative efforts and practices in plant breeding that transcend national
boundaries. This approach is increasingly important for addressing global agricultural challenges, food security, and
sustainable development.
Programs like the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) exemplify these collaborative
efforts, bringing together researchers to tackle global agricultural challenges through innovative breeding
techniques.

1. Global Collaboration
- Researchers, breeders, and institutions from different countries work together to share knowledge,
techniques, and genetic resources. This collaboration can enhance the genetic diversity available for
breeding programs.
2. Diversity and Adaptation
- International plant breeding helps identify and utilize plant varieties that are well-suited to specific
environmental conditions, pests, and diseases in various regions. This is crucial for adapting crops to
climate change and local agricultural needs.
3. Access to Germplasm
Introduction to Agriculture/JMSFrancisco
Instructor I
- International programs often facilitate the exchange of germplasm (the living genetic resources of
plants) to enable breeders to access a wider range of traits and improve their breeding stock.
4. Capacity Building
- Many international breeding initiatives focus on training and empowering local scientists and
farmers, improving their ability to develop and implement effective breeding strategies.
5. Regulatory and Ethical Considerations
- International plant breeding also navigates various legal and ethical frameworks regarding
intellectual property rights, biosafety, and environmental sustainability.
6. Global Food Security
- By developing improved crop varieties that are resilient to challenges such as drought, disease, and
pests, international plant breeding plays a crucial role in enhancing food security worldwide.

The Mendelian concept of plant breeding is based on the principles of inheritance first described by Gregor Mendel
in the 19th century. Mendel's work laid the foundation for understanding how traits are passed from one generation
to the next through genetic mechanisms.
 Mendelian concept of plant breeding emphasizes the role of genetic inheritance in the development of plant
varieties, allowing for systematic selection and improvement of crops

Important attributes of Mendelian Concept:


1. Inheritance of Traits - Mendel discovered that traits are inherited in discrete units (now known as genes). He
studied traits in pea plants, identifying dominant and recessive alleles that determine the expression of
specific characteristics, such as flower color and seed shape.
2. Law of Segregation - This law states that during the formation of gametes (pollen and ovules), the two
alleles for a trait segregate so that each gamete carries only one allele. When fertilization occurs, the
offspring receive one allele from each parent, restoring the pair.
3. Law of Independent Assortment - Mendel found that the inheritance of one trait does not influence the
inheritance of another, as long as the traits are on different chromosomes. This allows for the combination
of traits in offspring in various ways, contributing to genetic diversity.
4. Predicting Ratios - Mendel's experiments allowed him to predict the ratios of different phenotypes in
offspring, which is foundational for plant breeding. For example, a cross between two heterozygous plants
(Aa x Aa) would yield a phenotypic ratio of 3:1 for a dominant trait in the offspring.
5. Application in Plant Breeding - Plant breeders use Mendelian principles to select parent plants with
desirable traits and predict the outcomes of crosses. By understanding how traits are inherited, breeders can
make informed decisions to enhance desired characteristics in new varieties.

Introduction to Agriculture/JMSFrancisco
Instructor I

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