This volume offers a comprehensive exploration of both fundamental and advanced principles in the field of plant breeding. It covers key aspects, from the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources to modern breeding techniques. The book begins with foundational concepts, focusing on the genetic principles underlying successful cultivar development and exploring reproductive systems and strategies used in breeding both self- and cross-pollinated crops. The book delves into quantitative genetics, gene action, and combining ability, providing a robust framework for understanding genetic inheritance and selection processes. Various breeding strategies are discussed, aimed at optimizing yield, resilience, and other key traits, alongside hybrid development and methods for accelerating breeding cycles. Specialized topics, such as clonal selection, mutation breeding, and polyploidy breeding are explored, offering diverse approaches to improving asexually propagated crops and enhancing desirable traits. The volume also emphasizes modern advancements in plant breeding, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to streamline decision-making and accelerate breeding timelines. It highlights the importance of participatory varietal selection, engaging farmers in the breeding process, and discusses cultivar testing, genotype x environment interactions, and the procedures for cultivar release and maintenance. Designed for students, researchers, and professionals in agricultural sciences, this resource offers an in-depth guide to both traditional and cuttingedge plant breeding methodologies. It serves as an essential reference for advancing strategies in crop improvement.
Dr. N. Shashidhara is working as an Assistant Professor (GPB) and Assistant Seed Production Officer (ASPO) at AICRP on SEED (Crops), Seed Unit, 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 (IISc), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. From 2012 to 2017, he served as an Assistant Professor (PG&B) 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 published books for under and post-graduate students, book chapters and popular articles. He also serves as an editor and reviewer for several respected journals and is a lifetime member of multiple prestigious societies. He has received over ten awards from notable national and international organizations/ societies. His dedication extends beyond academia, contributing to the development of high-protein rice and maize varieties to the farming community. Dr. 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.
Dr. Dhanalakshmi, T. N. is an academician serving as an Assistant Professor in Genetics and Plant Breeding at the College of Horticulture, Hiriyur, affiliated to Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (KSNUAHS), Shivamogga, Karnataka. She was awarded 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 research papers in various scientific journals and abstracts in different national and international conferences and seminars. She has published 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 recipient of several 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 academician and researcher currently serving as a Technical Officer (Plant Breeding) at AICRP on Wheat & Barley, UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka. He earned his B.Sc. (Agri.) from UAS, Bangalore, and M.Sc. (Agri.) 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 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 at AICRP on (Small Millets), SRF in Rice DUS Centre at UAS, Bangalore, and Technical Officer (Plant Breeding) at AICRP on Sorghum and Technical Officer, Farm Management-KVK at UAS, Dharwad. His expertise includes conventional plant breeding, mutation breeding, marker-assisted breeding, and 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. Lokesh, G.Y., is working as an Associate Professor (GPB), University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur. He was awarded M.Sc. degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding from University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad in 2004 and Ph.D. degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding from University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru in 2016. He has 14 years of post-Ph.D. experience in teaching, research and extension in the field of Agriculture. Out of which, he served as Junior Breeder from 2010 to 2020 at Seed Unit, UAS, Raichur and now working in College of Agriculture, Raichur, engaged in Teaching to Under Graduate, Post-Graduate and Ph.D. students. He has been associated with release of several varieties and several technologies in the University. He has guided several M.Sc. students in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding. His work reflects a dedication to advancing agricultural sciences through research, teaching, and community engagement.
1 Foundations of Plant Breeding...........................................................1
2 Plant Genetic Resources and Pre-breeding ....................................23
3 Reproductive Systems and Cultivar Development.......................49
4 Quantitative Genetics in Plant Breeding.........................................77
5 Gene Action and Combining Ability.............................................105
6 Selection and Breeding Strategies ..................................................127
7 Breeding Methods in Self-pollinated Crops .................................153
8 Breeding Methods in Cross-pollinated Crops..............................175
9 Hybrid Development and Breeding Cycle Acceleration............195
10 Clonal Selection in Asexually Propagated Crops........................209
11 Mutation Breeding ...........................................................................229
12 Polyploidy Breeding ........................................................................249
13 Participatory Varietal Selection and Plant Breeding...................273
14 Cultivar Testing and Genotype × Environment Interaction......295
15 Cultivar Release and Maintenance Breeding ...............................317
16 Application of AI and ML in Plant Breeding ...............................337
