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Introduction to Plant Breeding

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Plant Breeding in the Omics Era

Abstract

Plant breeding provides the seeds of new high-yielding cultivars, which often include other desired traits that increase farming profitability and sustainability. Genetics made plant breeding a science-based approach for crop improvement that continues evolving due to increasing knowledge. Conventional crossbreeding methods are now used along with tools ensuing from advances in omics and genetic engineering. Genome sequences are available for many plant species, and DNA markers are being used as aids in plant breeding. Advanced inbred lines, hybrids, and other breeding materials should be included in multi-environment testing for a thorough appraisal of their performance across locations and over years. An appropriate phenotypic assessment assists the development of new cultivars.

Plant breeding is human directed selection in genetically variable populations of plants.

William F. Tracy, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Alnarp, Sweden

    Prof. Rodomiro Ortiz Ríos

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  1. Prof. Rodomiro Ortiz Ríos
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Correspondence to Rodomiro Ortiz Ríos .

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Ortiz Ríos, R. (2015). Introduction to Plant Breeding. In: Plant Breeding in the Omics Era. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20532-8_1

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