Plant Breeding: Theory & Practice

This book attempts to present a readable format on plant breeding principles and their application, based on the collective experience of the three authors (Stoskopf et al.) but with a heavy dependence on the scientific literature. This is also long- awaited replacement for older texts in senior undergraduate plant breeding. The authors have produced an up-to-date treatment of the art and science of plant breeding in language and have concisely discussed all of the main topics in plant breeding from Genetics to Field-plot design while adding thoughtful discussions on emerging technologies and breeding methods. Plant breeding books are usually difficult reading, but this book by three knowledgeable professionals is an exception. The format is readable and easily understood, contents are complete and heavily referenced. A feature that this reviewer liked is a detailed figure captions that presents the new information, not the usual “rehash” of the text-material. Figures usually concentrate on specific plant applications, while the text emphasizes general concepts and principles. The three authors, representing separate disciplines, developed the book from a course for senior undergraduate students, also it has an application for the students in horticulture, field crops and forestry. Twenty-five chapters cover a range of topics form the history of plant breeding through genetic variation, hybridization, breeding methods, inbreeding and crossbreeding, hybrids, mutations, asexual breeding and commercial aspects. A highly recommended work for libraries maintaining agricultural, horticultural and other plant science collections.