Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding

Section 4
Genetic analysis in plant breeding
Chapter 7 Introduction to concepts of population genetics
Chapter 8 Introduction to quantitative genetics
Chapter 9 Common statistical methods in plant breeding
Breeders develop new cultivars by modifying the genetic structure of the base population used to start the
breeding program. Students need to have an appreciation of population and quantitative genetics in order to
understand the principles and concepts of practical plant breeding. In fact, there is what some call the breeders’
equation, a mathematical presentation of a fundamental concept that all breeders must thoroughly understand.
This section will help the student understand this and other basic breeding concepts.
Statistics is indispensable in plant breeding. Breeders conduct genetic analysis to understanding the inheritance
of traits they desire to manipulate. They use statistics to help identify parents to use in crossing, to evaluate
the products of crossing, and to guide the selection process, as well to evaluate finished products (cultivars) for
release to producers. Some of these analyses are based on the genetic structure of the plant populations.