Breeding Field Crops

While preparing the first edition of this textbook I attended an extension short course on writing agricultural publications. The message I remember was "select your audience and write to it. " There has never been any doubt about the audience for which this textbook was written, the introductory course in crop breeding. In addition, it has become a widely used reference for the graduate plant-breeding student and the practicing plant breeder. In its prepa­ ration, particular attention has been given to advances in plant-breeding theo­ ry and their utility in plant-breeding practice. The blend of the theoretical with the practical has set this book apart from other plant-breeding textbooks. The basic structure and the objectives of the earlier editions remain un­ changed. These objectives are (1) to review essential features of plant re­ production, Mendelian genetic principles, and related genetic developments applicable in plant-breeding practice; (2) to describe and evaluate established and new plant-breeding procedures and techniques, and (3) to discuss plant­ breeding objectives with emphasis on the importance of proper choice of objec­ tive for achieving success in variety development. Because plant-breeding activities are normally organized around specific crops, there are chapters describing breeding procedures and objectives for the major crop plants; the crops were chosen for their economic importance or diversity in breeding sys­ tems. These chapters provide a broad overview of the kinds of problems with which the breeder must cope.

Long recognized as the standard work in its field, this fifth edition of Breeding Field Crops deals with worldwide advances in plant breeding science and practice in recent years. Building on the foundations of earlier editions, this thoroughly revised volume includes expanded coverage on the role increased knowledge of genetics plays in the development of new crop cultivars, and fully explores exciting new developments in molecular biology.

Breeding Field Crops, 5th Edition, thoroughly covers the field of plant breeding. The latest edition of this venerable text provides a broad overview of the science of plant breeding, and provides students and breeders with essential fundamental information along with a review of current breakthroughs and technologies. This book will be a valuable source of information for anyone involved in the science of plant breeding for years to come.

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• Fifth edition of standard-setting crop breeding text
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• Explores the role genetics play in development of new crop cultivars
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• Covers exciting new developments in molecular biology