The book offers an indispensable journey into the intricate world of genetic principles and their profound implications for agricultural enhancement. Beginning with foundational topics, such as Genetics, Inheritance, and Variation, the book meticulously lays the groundwork for comprehending how traits manifest and evolve within plant species. It delves deep into the molecular mechanisms of inheritance through Genes, Cytogenetics, and Biometrical Genetics, illuminating the intricate pathways through which genetic information shapes the characteristics of crops across generations. Beyond the basics, this volume delves into specialized areas crucial to modern crop breeding. Chapters on Sex Determination, Linkage and Linkage Mapping, and Exceptions to Mendelism unravel the complexities of genetic interactions and inheritance patterns that underpin strategic breeding approaches. Discussions on Quantitative Inheritance and Multiple Allelism provide nuanced insights into the inheritance of traits crucial for optimizing crop yields and quality. Moreover, this book seamlessly integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications. It explores the molecular foundations of genetics in chapters dedicated to DNA, Population Genetics, and Mutation, offering readers a comprehensive grasp of genetic diversity and variability within plant populations. Evolutionary insights explored in Evolution and Speciation highlight the dynamic interplay between genetic adaptation and agricultural progress. Ethical dimensions, as discussed in the chapter on Eugenics, prompt critical reflections on the responsible application of genetic advancements in agricultural contexts. This meticulously crafted volume caters to students, researchers, and practitioners alike, offering a rich tapestry of knowledge essential for advancing agricultural sciences through informed genetic research and innovative crop improvement strategies.
Dr. N. Shashidhara is working as an Assistant Professor (GPB) and Assistant Seed Production Officer (ASPO) at the Seed Unit of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. He obtained his M.Sc. in Genetics and Plant Breeding from the same institution in 2003 and later earned his Ph.D. from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru in 2010. Following his doctoral studies, he pursued post-doctoral research at the Indian Institute of Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. From 2012 to 2017, he served as an Assistant Professor at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal, Puducherry. With over 13 years of post-Ph.D. experience, Dr. Shashidhara has made significant contributions to teaching, research, and extension in agriculture. His prolific research output includes numerous papers in renowned national and international peer-reviewed journals, along with book chapters and popular articles. He also served as an editor and reviewer for several respected journals and is a lifetime member of various prestigious societies. He is a life member of multiple prestigious societies and has received over ten awards from notable national and international organizations. His dedication extends beyond academia, contributing to the development of high-protein rice and maize varieties. N. Shashidhara’s career is marked by his unwavering commitment to advancing agricultural sciences, fostering innovation through research, and inspiring future generations in the field of Genetics and Plant Breeding.
Mrs. Dhanalakshmi T.N. is an academician serving as an Assistant Professor in the Genetics and Plant Breeding discipline at the College of Horticulture, Hiriyur, affiliated with Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (KSNUAHS), Shivamogga, Karnataka. She was awarded her Master’s degree in 2009 and received the University gold medal for securing the highest OGPA for her B.Sc. (Agriculture) from the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore. She served as a Junior Breeder in AICRP on Castor from 2012 to 2018 and was involved in developing and releasing the Castor hybrid HCH-6 for the Karnataka state farming community. She has published many full-length research papers in various scientific journals and abstracts in numerous national and international conferences and seminars. She has written books in the regional language Kannada for the benefit of the farming community and extension workers on different platforms. She has also published several book chapters for the benefit of students for their academic purposes and various competitive exams. Additionally, she serves as an editor and reviewer for a few national and international peer-reviewed journals. She is a lifetime member of several esteemed societies and a recipient of awards from recognized bodies. She has participated in many international and national seminars, conferences, faculty/ capacity development programs, and other training programs.
Dr. Boranayaka M. B. is a distinguished academic and researcher currently serving as a Technical Officer (Plant Breeding) at AICRP on Wheat & Barley, UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka. He earned his B.Sc. (Ag.) from UAS, Bangalore, and his M.Sc. (Ag.) in Plant Breeding & Genetics from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, where he was awarded the Sivasailam Gold Medal at AC & RI, Madurai. Dr. Boranayaka pursued his Ph.D. at UAS, Raichur, under the RGNF fellowship from the Department of Science & Technology, UGC, New Delhi. With 15 years of experience in research, teaching, and extension activities at various State Agricultural Universities, he has served as a Research Associate in ICAR-Programme Coordinator (Small Millets), SRF in Rice DUS Centre at UAS, Bangalore, and Technical Officer (Plant Breeding) under AICRP on Sorghum and Technical Officer, Farm Management-KVK at UAS, Dharwad. His expertise includes conventional plant breeding, mutation breeding, marker-assisted breeding, and cereal crop varietal seed production and maintenance. Notably, his work on developing a partial sterile mutant in finger millet and collaborating on the development and registration of plant germplasm in rabi sorghum and wheat is well recognized. Dr. Boranayaka has published numerous research and review papers in esteemed national and international journals and has participated in many seminars, conferences, and workshops.
Dr. Dinesh H. B. is a Assistant Professor (GPB) at the Seed Unit of Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, Karnataka. He earned his M.Sc. degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, in 2011 and Ph.D. from the same university in 2014. He later worked as a Technical Officer at AICRP on Seed (Crops) at UAS, Dharwad. With 10 years of post-Ph.D. experience in teaching, research, and extension in agriculture, he is serving as an Assistant Professor (Plant Breeding and Genetics) since 2023. Dr. Dinesh has authored several research papers published in reputable national and international peer-reviewed journals. He is a lifetime member of Indian Society of Oilseed Research, Hyderabad. He has participated in many international and national seminars, conferences, faculty/capacity development programs, and various training programs. Overall, Dr. Dinesh H. B. has established a strong commitment to academic research and teaching in Genetics and Plant Breeding, with significant contributions through publications, awards, and professional engagements. His work reflects a dedication to advancing agricultural sciences through research, teaching, and community engagement.
1. Genetics...................................................................................................1
2. Inheritance and Variation ......................................................................17
3. Genes.....................................................................................................31
4. Cytogenetics..........................................................................................49
5. Biometrical Genetics.............................................................................59
6. Sex Determination.................................................................................69
7. Linkage and Linkage Mapping .............................................................79
8. Exceptions to Mendelism......................................................................95
9. Quantitative Inheritance and Multiple Allelism..................................105
10. DNA ....................................................................................................115
11. Population Genetics ............................................................................127
12. Mating Systems...................................................................................137
13. Mutation ..............................................................................................145
14. Evolution and Speciation ....................................................................159
15. Eugenics..............................................................................................167
