Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding

Part I
Underlying science and methods of
plant breeding
Part I of this book deals with the underlying basic science of plant breeding, emphasizing
both classic and contemporary principles and concepts. All the pertinent genetic
concepts that are needed to understand and conduct plant breeding are discussed.
These include a consideration of Mendelian, population, and quantitative genetic principles
and concepts. More importantly, the discussions show how plant breeders use these
scientific principles and concepts in their work. Examples of plant breeding applications
are provided.
The chapters also present a detailed discussion of the tools of plant breeding, including
both classic and non-classic or contemporary tools, and emphasizing the complementarity
of the two sets of tools. Then, a discussion of the methods of breeding
follows, indicating how plant breeding tools are used for breeding self-pollinated, crosspollinated,
and clonally propagated species. Part I concludes with sections on the
cultivar release process, international plant breeding efforts, and emerging concepts in
plant breeding. Two contemporary breeding approaches that have never before been
formally addressed in plant breeding textbooks are discussed. It is important for students
to be introduced to the most recent issues in the field of plant improvement so
that they may participate in the discussion.