Advanced Breeding Approaches for Crop Improvement

Plant Breeding is a branch of Genetics networked with molecular aspects to produce desired traits in crops. It is a pre-requisite for Crop Improvement. Breeder usually uses the natural variation previously exists in the genotypes. However, such limited source or program is not sufficient to improve a particular crop. Thus, advanced strategies need to be explored and inculcated to address the agriculturally important traits like tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, yield-specific traits, etc. The advanced strategies for plant breeding can be accomplished through various techniques starting from simple selection of genotypes with specific desired traits for propagation to the practices of exploring genomes to the usage of more advanced methods. The attempt to bring out this book entitled ‘Advanced Breeding Approaches for Crop Improvement’ has been made to emphasize on the possible advancements in plant breeding thereby, putting a step forward to reach the competency at industry level. The book highlights the strategies of gene pyramiding, genome wide association mapping, omics approach, hybrid production, seed selection, marker assisted selection, speed and reverse breeding.