DR.

AAINAA

PLANT BREEDING

& GENETIC ENGINEERING

Plant Cultivation and Genetics
Introduction
Plant cultivation and genetics
are closely intertwined fields
that play a crucial role in
agriculture and food production.
Plant cultivation involves the
deliberate and systematic
management of plants for
various purposes, such as
obtaining food, fibre, medicinal
products, or ornamental plants.

Genetics, on the other hand,

focuses on the study of genes
and heredity, aiming to
understand how traits are
inherited and how genetic
information can be manipulated
to improve plant characteristics.
 How Plant Cultivation and Genetics Intersect?

1. Selection and Breeding

• Plant Cultivation
• Farmers and breeders select plants with desirable traits for
cultivation, such as high yield, resistance to pests or
diseases, and adaptability to specific environmental
conditions.
• Genetics
• The selection process in plant cultivation is based on the
genetic makeup of plants.
• Desired traits are often hereditary, and understanding the
genetics behind these traits helps in making informed
breeding decisions.
How Plant Cultivation and Genetics Intersect?

2. Improving Crop Traits

•Plant Cultivation
•Farmers aim to improve crop traits through
cultivation practices, soil management, and other
agronomic techniques.
•Genetics
•Genetic techniques, including selective breeding and
genetic engineering, are employed to introduce
specific traits into crops, such as resistance to pests,
tolerance to environmental stress, or enhanced
nutritional content.
 How Plant Cultivation and Genetics Intersect?

3. Hybridization
•Plant Cultivation
•Hybridization is a common practice in plant
cultivation, where two different varieties of a crop are
crossbred to create hybrids with desirable
characteristics.
•Genetics
•Hybridization involves the mixing of genetic material,
and understanding the genetic basis of traits aids in
the successful development of hybrid varieties.
 How Plant Cultivation and Genetics Intersect?

4. Disease Resistance
•Plant Cultivation
•Farmers often choose cultivars with natural
resistance to common diseases to minimize the
need for pesticides.
•Genetics
•Genetic engineering can be used to introduce
genes responsible for disease resistance into
plants, providing a targeted and effective method
for protecting crops.
 How Plant Cultivation and Genetics Intersect?

5. Adaptation to Environmental
Conditions
•Plant Cultivation
•Farmers select and adapt crops to local
environmental conditions, considering factors like
climate, soil type, and altitude.
•Genetics
•Understanding the genetic basis of adaptability
helps in developing crop varieties that can thrive in
specific environmental conditions.
 How Plant Cultivation and Genetics Intersect?

6. Seed Improvement
•Plant Cultivation
•Seed selection and improvement are
fundamental to successful plant cultivation,
ensuring the propagation of desirable traits in
successive generations.
•Genetics
•Advances in plant genetics contribute to the
development of improved and genetically stable
seed varieties.
How Plant Cultivation and Genetics Intersect?

7. Conservation of Genetic Diversity

•Plant Cultivation
•Conservation efforts aim to maintain the genetic
diversity of crops, preserving a broad range of
traits that may be useful in the future.
•Genetics
•Genetic studies help in understanding and
preserving the diversity within plant species,
which is critical for long-term agricultural
sustainability.
Conclusion
Genetics plays a pivotal role in
shaping plant cultivation
practices.
The integration of genetic
knowledge into cultivation
strategies allows for more
targeted and effective
approaches to developing crops
with improved traits and
increased productivity.
YOURLOGO

Introduction to Plant Breeding

Introduction
Plant breeding is a science-driven, systematic process of
developing new plant varieties with desirable
characteristics.

These characteristics can include improved yield,

resistance to diseases and pests, tolerance to
environmental stresses, enhanced nutritional content,
and other traits that contribute to the overall
performance and adaptability of crops.

Plant breeding is fundamental to global agriculture,

providing the foundation for sustainable and efficient
food production.
Key Concepts in Plant Breeding
1. Genetic diversity within plant populations is the raw
material for plant breeders.
Genetic
Variation It allows for the selection and development of plants with
unique and desirable traits.

The variation can be natural or induced through

controlled breeding methods.

2. Plant breeders identify and select plants with desired

traits for reproduction.
Selection
This process involves evaluating plants in various
environments and under different conditions.

Continuous selection over multiple generations helps

concentrate the desired traits in the breeding population.
Key Concepts in Plant Breeding
3. Hybridization involves the controlled mating of
Hybridization
two genetically distinct plants to create offspring
with a combination of traits from both parents.

It is a common technique used to introduce new

genetic material and generate plants with
improved characteristics.
4. Crossbreeding is a form of hybridization where
Crossbreeding
plants with different but related genetic
backgrounds are crossed to create hybrids.

The goal is to combine complementary traits

from the parent plants in the offspring.
Key Concepts in Plant Breeding
5. Backcrossing is a technique used to introduce a
Backcrossing specific trait from one plant (donor parent) into a
cultivated variety (recurrent parent).

It involves repeatedly crossing the hybrid with the

recurrent parent to retain the desired trait while
recovering the genetic purity of the recurrent parent.

6. Marker- MAS involves the use of molecular markers (specific

Assisted DNA sequences) to identify and select plants with
Selection desired traits at the molecular level.
(MAS)
It accelerate the breeding process by allowing for
more precise and efficient selection.
 Key Concepts in Plant Breeding
7. Genetic Genetic engineering involves the direct
Engineering manipulation of an organism’s DNA to introduce
or enhance specific traits.

It allows for the precise transfer of genes

associated with desired characteristics from one
organism to another.
8. Field Selected plant varieties undergo extensive
Trials testing in field trials to evaluate their
performance under real-world conditions.

These trials help assess factors such as yield,

resistance to diseases, adaptability, and overall
agronomic performance.
Key Concepts in Plant Breeding
9. Release and
Commercialization
Once a new plant variety has
ben successfully developed
and tested, it can be released
for commercial production.

Farmers can then adopt and

cultivate the improved
varieties to benefit from the
enhanced traits.
 Importance of Plant Breeding
1. Increased
Productivity Plant breeding contributes to higher crop
yields, ensuring a stable and sufficient food
supply to meet the growing global population’s
needs.
2. Disease and
Pest Resistant varieties help reduce the dependence
Resistance on chemical pesticides, promoting
environmentally sustainable agriculture.

3. Adaptation
to Plant breeding helps develop varieties that can
Environmental thrive in diverse environmental conditions,
Changes contributing to climate-resilient agriculture.
 Importance of Plant Breeding
4. Improved
Nutritional
Breeding efforts can enhance the nutritional
Content quality of crops, addressing nutritional
deficiencies in human diets.

5.
Sustainability
Sustainable farming practices are promoted
through the development of varieties that
require fewer inputs, such as water and
fertilizers.
6.
Preservation
Plant breeding efforts contribute to the
of Genetic conservation of genetic diversity within plant
Diversity species, safeguarding valuable traits for future
generations.
Conclusion
Plant breeding is a dynamic and
evolving field that combines
traditional methods with modern
technologies to develop improved
plant varieties.

It plays a critical role in addressing

global challenges related to food
security, environmental sustainability,
and the resilience of agricultural
systems.
Conventional Breeding in Plants
Introduction
Conventional breeding, also known as traditional
breeding or classical breeding, is a method of plant
breeding that relies on natural processes of
reproduction and selection to develop new plant
varieties with desired traits.

This approach has been practiced for centuries and

involves controlled mating of plants with specific
characteristics to improve the overall quality,
productivity, and adaptability of crops.
Key Aspects
1. Natural Reproduction
•Conventional breeding involves the sexual
reproduction of plants through natural
processes like pollination and fertilization.
•Plants with desirable traits are selected as
parents, and their offspring inherit a
combination of genetic material from both
parents.

2. Selection
Key Aspects

3. Crossbreeding

4. Backcrossing

5. Inbreeding and Hybridization

•Inbreeding involves mating plants that are
closely related to enhance the expression of
desirable traits.
•Hybridization?
Key Aspects
6. Phenotypic Selection
• Traits are often selected based on observable characteristics, known as phenotypes.
• This includes features like plant height, colour, yield, and disease resistance.
• Phenotypic selection is a practical and straightforward approach that does not rely on
detailed genetic information.

7. Time-Consuming Process
• Conventional breeding is a time-consuming process that may take several years to develop
and release a new plant variety.
• It requires multiple generations of plants to stabilize and fix the desired traits.
8. Genetic Diversity
• While conventional breeding exploits existing genetic diversity within plant species, it
does not involve direct manipulation of genes at the molecular level.
• Genetic diversity is maintained through the selection of diverse parent plants.
Advantages of Conventional Breeding

Utilizes natural genetic variation

Well-established and widely practiced

Does not involve the use of genetic

engineering techniques
Challenges

Time-consuming compared to modern

breeding techniques

Limited precision in trait selection compared

to molecular methods

May result in unintended traits being carried

along with desired ones
Conclusion

Conventional breeding remains a foundational and

widely used approach in plant breeding due to its
simplicity, broad applicability, and the ability to
preserve the natural genetic diversity of plants.

It complements modern breeding methods, and an

integrated approach often combines the strengths of
both conventional and molecular breeding
techniques.
YOURLOGO

Selection
Introduction
• Selection is a fundamental process in plant breeding, involving
the systematic and deliberate choice of plants with desired
traits for the purpose of developing improved varieties.

• The goal of selection is to concentrate and perpetuate

scientific traits in successive generations of plants.

• This process plays a crucial role in shaping the genetic

composition of a plant population and is a key step in both
conventional and modern breeding methods.
Key Aspects
1. Objective and Criteria

• The first step in selection is defining the breeding objectives and

criteria.
• This involves determining the specific traits or characteristics that are
desired in the new plant variety.
• Criteria may include traits such as high yield, disease resistance,
tolerance to environmental stresses, improved nutritional content, or
other agronomically important features.

2. Parental Selection

• Selection begins with the identification and careful choice of parent

plants that possess the desired traits.
• These parent plants serve as the source of genetic material for the next
generation.
• In conventional breeding, parental selection is often based on
observable phenotypic traits, while modern breeding may involve
molecular markers for more precise genetic selection.
Key Aspects
3. Field Trials

• Selected plants or varieties undergo field trials to evaluate their

performance under real-world conditions.
• Field trials provide valuable information on how the plants behave in
different environments.
• Data is collected on traits such as yield, disease resistance, adaptation, and
overall agronomic performance.

4. Phenotypic and Genotypic Selection

• Phenotypic Selection
• Traditional method based on observable traits.
• Plants are selected based on the physical characteristics they exhibit.
• Genotypic Selection
• Involves the use of molecular markers or genetic information to select
plants based on their underlying genetic makeup.
• This method is more precise and is commonly used in modern breeding.
Key Aspects
5. Recurrent Selection

• Used in crops with longer breeding cycles.

• Involves a repeated cycle of selection, mating, and evaluation.
• Designed to improve the population over several generations by
allowing for adaptation and selection of the best-performing
individuals.

6. Mass Selection and Progeny Testing

• Mass Selection
• Individuals with desirable traits are chosen from a population
without regard to their family structure.
• This is common in crops with a high degree of cross-pollination.
• Progeny Testing
• Evaluation of the performance of the progeny (offspring) of
selected plants.
• It provides information on the heritability of traits.
Key Aspects
7. Backcrossing

• Backcross Selection
• Used in situations where a specific trait from a donor
parent is introduced into a recurrent parent.
• The selected plants undergo repeated backcrossing to
the recurrent parent to fix the desired trait.

8. Response to Selection

• The effectiveness of selection is measured by the response

to selection, which is the degree to which the population’s
average trait value changes over generations.
• A positive response indicates that the desired traits are
being successfully concentrated in the population.
Key Aspects
9. Culling and Elimination

• In each generation, inferior or undesired plants are

eliminated from the breeding population, ensuring that
only plants with the desired traits contributes to the next
generation.

10. Documentation and Record Keeping

• Detailed records are maintained throughout the

selection process, including information on parentage,
traits of interest, and performance data from field trials.
• Documentation is crucial for traceability and the
development of breeding pedigrees.
Conclusion

•Selection is an iterative and ongoing process in

plant breeding, and its success relies on careful
planning, systematic evaluation, and the
application of appropriate breeding techniques.

•It is a critical step in the development of new

plant varieties that meet the evolving needs of
agriculture and food production.
YOURLOGO

Hybridization
1 Introduction

•Hybridization is a key technique in

plant breeding that involves the
controlled mating of two genetically
distinct plants to produce offspring,
known as hybrids.

•This method is widely used to

introduce desirable traits into crops,
enhance genetic diversity, and
improve overall plant performance.
2 Key Aspects
• The primary goal of hybridization is to combine
the desirable traits from two different parental
1. Objective of plants, each possessing unique characteristics.
Hybridization • Desired traits may include increased yield, disease
resistance, improved quality, and adaptability to
specific environmental conditions.

• Parental plants are selected based on their

specific traits and genetic makeup.
• One plant is typically chosen for a specific trait,
2. Choice of while other may contribute complementary traits
Parental Plants or act as a source of genetic diversity.
• The selection of parents is crucial to achieving the
desired combination of traits in the hybrid
offspring.
2 Key Aspects
• Hybridization often involves cross-pollination,
where pollen from the flower of one plant is
3. Cross- transferred to the stigma of another plant.
Pollination • To prevent unwanted or natural pollination,
isolation methods such as bagging or caging
are sometimes employed.

• Some plant species have mechanisms to

prevent self-pollination, known as self-
4. incompatibility systems.
Incompatibility
Systems • Hybridization takes advantage of these
systems to promote cross-pollination and
genetic diversity.
 2 Key Aspects
• The first generation of plants resulting from
the cross-pollination is referred to as the F1
(first filial) hybrid generation.
5. F1 Hybrid • F1 hybrids often display traits that are
Generation combination of those from both parent
plants, and they may exhibit characteristics
like increased vigour, uniformity, and
heterosis (hybrid vigour).

• Heterosis is a phenomenon where the

hybrid offspring exhibit superior qualities
6. Heterosis compared to the average of their parents.
(Hybrid
Vigour) • It can manifest as increases yield, improved
resistance to diseases, and enhanced
overall performance.
 2 Key Aspects
• Hybrid seeds are often produced by controlled
pollination to maintain the specific combination
7. Seed of traits found in the F1 generation.
Production in • In some cases, hybrid seeds may be more
Hybrids expensive than non-hybrid seeds, but the
advantages in performance often justify the cost
for farmers.

• F1 hybrids tend to display a high degree of

uniformity in their traits, making them attractive
to growers seeking consistency in crop
8. Uniformity performance.
and Stability
• However, the stability of these traits can vary,
and in some cases, the benefits may diminish in
subsequent generations (F2 and beyond).
2 Key Aspects
• After hybridization, breeders may use
backcrossing or other breeding techniques
9. to stabilize and fix specific traits in
Backcrossing subsequent generations.
and Further
Development • The aim is to develop new varieties with the
desired traits while maintaining other
important characteristics.

• Hybridization is employed in a wide range

of crops, including cereals, vegetables,
10. fruits, and ornamental plants.
Application in
Various Crops • It has been particularly successful in crops
where increased yield, uniformity, and
disease resistance are critical factors.
3 Conclusion
• Hybridization is a powerful tool in plant
breeding, contributing to the
development of crop varieties with
improved characteristics.

• While it has been practiced for many

years, advancements in understanding
plant genetics and molecular techniques
have enhanced the precision and
efficiency of hybridization in modern
breeding programs.
Genetic Engineering
Introduction

•Genetic engineering, also known as genetic modification or

biotechnology, involves the direct manipulation of an
organism’s DNA to introduce, modify, or delete specific genes.

•In plant breeding genetic engineering allows for precise control

over the genetic makeup of plants, facilitating the introduction
of desirable traits from unrelated species.
Key Aspects
1. Objective of Genetic
Engineering
• Genetic engineering is employed to introduce specific traits into plants that may
not be achievable through conventional breeding methods.
• Common objectives include improving resistance to pests and diseases, enhancing
tolerance to environmental stresses, increasing nutritional content, and
developing crops with improved agronomic traits.
2. Techniques Used in
Genetic Engineering
• Transgenic Technology: Involves the introduction of genes from one species (donor
organism) into the genome of another species (recipient plant).
• Genome Editing: Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 are used to precisely edit or modify
specific genes within the plant’s own genome.
 Key Aspects

3. Transgenic Plants

• Transgenic plants are those that have been genetically modified by the introduction of foreign
genes.
• These genes may come from bacteria, viruses, animals, or other plants.
• The inserted genes are typically chosen for their ability to confer specific traits , such as
resistance to insects, tolerance to herbicides, or improved nutritional content.

4. Gene Transfer Methods

• Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation: Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a soil bacterium, is often used to

transfer genes into plant cells.
• Direct DNA Uptake: Plant cells can be directly exposed to foreign DNA, facilitating the incorporation of the
desired genes.
• Biolistics (Particle Bombardment): Tiny particles coated with foreign DNA are shot into plant cells, allowing for
gene transfer.
Key Aspects
Key Aspects
5. Genome Editing
• CrRISPR-Cas9: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated
protein 9 (Cas9) allow for precise editing of specific genes within the plant’s genome.
• Genome editing enables the modification of existing genes or the addition of new genetic material without
introducing foreign genes.

6. Applications of Genetic
Engineering in Plants
• Insect Resistance: Genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can be introduced to confer resistance against specific
insect pest.
• Herbicide Tolerance: Genes that confer resistance to viruses, bacteria, or fungi can be introduced to enhance
plant defence mechanisms.
• Improved Nutritional Content: Genetic engineering can be used to increase the levels of specific nutrients, such
as vitamins or minerals, in crops.
• Abiotic Stress Tolerance: Plants can be engineered to tolerate environmental stresses such as drought, salinity,
or extreme temperatures.
Key Aspects
7. Ethical and
Environmental
Considerations

• The use of genetic engineering in plant breeding raises ethical

considerations, including concerns about the safety of genetically
modified organisms (GMOs) for human consumption and potential
environmental impacts.
• Regulations and guidelines are in place to ensure the safe development
and deployment of genetically modified crops.

8. Precision and
Speed

• Genetic engineering allows for a high level of precision in

trait introduction, modification, or deletion.
• The technology often facilitates a faster development
process compared to traditional breeding methods.
Key Aspects

9. Challenges

•Challenges associated with genetic engineering

include public acceptance, regulatory hurdles,
and potential unintended consequences.
•Ensuring that the introduced traits are stable
and heritable over generations is also a
consideration.
Conclusion

•Genetic engineering in plant breeding has led to the development

of genetically modified crops with improved traits, contributing to
agricultural sustainability, food security, and the ability of crops to
adapt to changing environmental conditions.
•Ongoing research and advancements in genetic engineering
technologies continue to shape the future of plant breeding.
Thank You