Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding

432 CHAPTER 23
6 Statistical package for computers. Data collected
from the field are analyzed on the computer using
appropriate software.
Equipment
1 Seed counter. Based on the plot length and spacing,
seed packets are prepared containing the appropriate
number of seeds for the appropriate number of rows.
2 Seed trays/boxes. To facilitate planting, the seed
envelopes are prearranged in order (according to the
field layout) and set in trays. The trays are appropriately
numbered.
3 Plot planters. Mechanized planting is necessary for
a large breeding program. Customized planters may
be purchased for specific crops. Often, plot planters
designed for various types of crops (e.g., small grains,
bean) may be obtained and adjusted appropriately
for the grain size and spacing desired. In the absence
of tractor-based planting, other smaller motorized
planters are available for various crops.
4 Harvesting. Plot combines are available for harvesting,
threshing, and bagging of seeds from small plots.
The preparation of seed packets (labels, bags, etc.) is
required for harvesting.
5 Computer/data loggers. Some breeders may be able
to computerize their field data collection to enter
data directly into the computer. Where this is not
possible, data from field record books are entered
into the computer at a later date.
Crop registration
After the formal release of the cultivar, it may be registered.
In the USA, this voluntary activity is coordinated
by the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA).
Objectives of crop registration
According to the CSSA, crop registration is designed to
inform the scientific community of the attributes and
availability of the new genetic material, and to provide
readily accessible cultivar names or designations for a
given crop. Further, crop registration helps to prevent
duplication of cultivar names. Complete guidelines for
crop registration may be obtained from the CSSA. Excerpts
of these guidelines are discussed in this chapter.
What can be registered?
Over 50 crops and groups of crops may be registered.
Other categories include grasses, legumes, and oilseeds.
Subcommittees have been established to review the
registration manuscripts for various crops. Hybrids may
not be registered. Eligible materials may be cultivars,
parental lines, elite germplasm, genetic stocks, and
mapping populations. The cultivar to be registered
must have demonstrated its utility, and provide a new
variant characteristic (e.g., disease or insect resistance,
tolerance to stress). For breeding lines (parental lines),
the breeder must include information on sources of
cytoplasm and restoration information. Germplasm
does not need to be commercially valuable in its present
form, but must possess a demonstrable merit (e.g.,
unique trait, exotic background) that has potential for
commercial utility when used in a breeding program.
Genetic stocks are primarily used for basic genetic studies.
They should be useful and unique. Key mapping
populations should have high intrinsic value and utility
(e.g., may be used to establish species representative or
landmark molecular maps).
Registration procedure
First, the material to be registered should have been
released by the breeder or the organization. A seed
sample must be deposited in the National Seed
Storage Laboratory (NSSL) prior to or at the time
of submission of the manuscript. A registration packet
is obtained, completed, and submitted to the appropriate
subcommittee responsible for the crop. The
packet includes a manuscript to be prepared by the
breeder and a signed copy of the NSSL storage application
form.
The manuscript should include the following information
(see CSSA guidelines for details):
1 Name or identification assigned at time of release.
2 Scientific name (complete).
3 Experimental number or designation during development.
4 Names of agencies, organizations, or institutions
involved in the development and evaluation; names
of those officially releasing the plant materials.
5 Brief description of the material (including distinguishing
features from like types), breeding procedures,
pedigree, and comparative performance data (if
applicable).
6 Probable regions of adaptation, generations of seed
increase, and area of production for cultivars.
7 Agency or institution with responsibility for maintenance
of the basic stock of these materials.
8 Any limitation on availability of the materials.