Plant Breeding: Theory and Techniques

The book on 'Plant Breeding: Theory and Techniques' is the most modern and comprehensive book of plant breeding. Although, there are excellent text books/edited books for graduate, postgraduate and researchers, yet the need of a book having the theoretical background of each crop and various techniques involved in the crop improvement for the undergraduate and graduate students has long been felt. The frontline scientists of different parts of the country have contributed chapters relative to their specialization. The first part of the book contains uptodate information on various crops viz., Wheat, Brassica, Linseed, Sesame, Sunflower, Isabgol (Plantago ovata) Celery, Safferon, Medics and Forage Pennisetum, Tomato, Gardenpea, Cauliflower, Broccoli and Onion. The inclusion of topics like Safferon, Celery and Isabgol marks the distinctness of the book. The various aspects of each crop viz., geographical distribution, origin and evolution, floral biology, selfing & crossing techniques; breeding objectives, methods and accomplishments have been beautifully discussed. The second part of the book deals with various techniques used in the crop improvement for the development of new cultivars have been presented. Quality parameters and their estimation, chromosome techniques, mutation breeding techniques and practical approaches to heterosis breeding have been presented for the students who are engaged in the laboratory work. The inclusion of topics like disease resistance, biotechnology and statistical techniques make the book uptodate and informative. The present state of knowledge, breeding accomplishments and future strategies for each crop are highlighted. The principles and procedures for each techniques are discussed in stepwise manner so that the students could assimilate the matter very easily. It is hoped that students and practitioners of plant breeding will find this book very uptodate and enjoy the diversity of the contents.