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Pedigree Method of Plant Breeding | Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

In the realm of crop improvement, various methods are employed to enhance the quality and performance of plant species. While mass and pureline selection prove to be efficient for certain scenarios, they fall short when dealing with segregating populations such as F2, F3, and so forth, which result from controlled crosses. To navigate this intricate landscape, plant breeders have at their disposal several techniques, and one of the most crucial among them is the Pedigree Method.

What is Pedigree Method?

The Pedigree Method is a systematic approach to plant breeding that focuses on maintaining and improving specific traits within plant populations. It involves selecting individual plants from the F2 generation and their subsequent generations, growing their progenies, and meticulously recording the parent-offspring relationships. This method is indispensable in the realm of plant breeding.

What is Pedigree Record?

A key component of the Pedigree Method is the Pedigree Record. This record keeps track of the lineage and genetic information of the selected plants, enabling breeders to make informed decisions regarding their breeding programs.

Procedure of Pedigree Method

The Pedigree Method unfolds in several generations, each with a distinct purpose and set of activities.
The following table outlines the essential steps involved in this method:

  • F1 Generation: F1 plants are cultivated to ensure an adequate supply of F2 seeds, with 15-30 plants chosen for the subsequent generation. These F1 plants are planted and observed for their behavior, especially regarding easily observable traits. Any unintentional self-pollination is detected and removed.
  • F2 Generation: This generation is of utmost significance, as it displays the highest genetic diversity and allows for the selection of individual plants. Approximately 150-250 plants are grown and thoroughly assessed. Plant selection is based on their observed traits. The selected plants are harvested individually, and comprehensive records are maintained.
  • F3 Generation: Progeny rows of the selected F2 plants are grown alongside a control variety in the F3 generation, with a minimum of 30 plants per row. The plants are thoroughly assessed and visually compared to the control varieties. It is essential to reject progenies that exhibit susceptibility to diseases and pests. Each plant is harvested individually, and detailed records of genetic and agronomic characteristics are recorded.
  • F4 Generation: The progeny of selected F3 plants are grown to produce F4 families, with each F3 plant's progeny constituting a family. The number of families can be reduced through visual selection.
  • F5 Generation: In this generation, the selected plants are grown in progeny rows, typically in large numbers. By this stage, the variation within families significantly decreases, and the selected families are harvested in bulk.
  • F6 Generation: Preliminary yield trials of the selected families are conducted at this stage. Screening for resistance and quality is also performed to achieve over 99% homozygosity.
  • F7 Generation: The progenies are evaluated for various characteristics, including plant height, lodging resistance, disease resistance, flowering time, maturity time, and quality.
  • F8-F10 Generation: The superior lines are tested in replicated yield trials at multiple locations. A line that outperforms the best commercial variety is identified for release as a new variety.

Application of Pedigree Method

The Pedigree Method finds its application in the development of improved plant varieties. By carefully selecting and breeding plants with desirable traits across multiple generations, breeders can create new varieties that exhibit enhanced characteristics, such as disease resistance, yield, and quality.

Merits

The Pedigree Method offers several advantages, including the ability to maintain and improve specific traits, adapt to the needs of the breeding program, and produce new and improved plant varieties.

Demerits

While powerful, the Pedigree Method demands meticulous record-keeping and extensive time and effort, making it a resource-intensive approach to plant breeding.

Achievements

Over the years, the Pedigree Method has played a pivotal role in the development of numerous high-performing plant varieties. Its contributions to agriculture are immeasurable, as it continues to aid in feeding the growing global population.

Conclusion

The Pedigree Method of plant breeding stands as a cornerstone in the pursuit of improving crop quality and performance. By carefully selecting and breeding plants across multiple generations, plant breeders can make substantial contributions to agriculture and address the challenges of our time. This method represents a testament to the ever-evolving science of crop improvement and its crucial role in ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture.

The document Pedigree Method of Plant Breeding | Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC is a part of the UPSC Course Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC.
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FAQs on Pedigree Method of Plant Breeding - Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC

1. What is the pedigree method in plant breeding?
The pedigree method is a breeding technique used in plant breeding to select and propagate desirable traits in plants. It involves the controlled crossing of two selected parent plants with desired traits, followed by the selection and breeding of their offspring over multiple generations. This method allows breeders to create new varieties with specific traits by selecting and crossing plants with desirable characteristics.
2. What is a pedigree record in plant breeding?
A pedigree record in plant breeding is a detailed documentation of the parentage and lineage of a plant. It includes information about the parents, grandparents, and other ancestors of the plant, along with their traits and characteristics. Pedigree records are essential in maintaining the genetic history of plants and tracking the inheritance of specific traits across generations.
3. What is the procedure of the pedigree method in plant breeding?
The procedure of the pedigree method in plant breeding involves several steps: 1. Selection of Parents: Two parent plants with desirable traits are selected based on their phenotypic characteristics. 2. Controlled Crosses: The selected parents are cross-pollinated to produce offspring with a combination of their traits. 3. Offspring Evaluation: The offspring plants are evaluated for the desired traits. Only the plants with the desired traits are selected for further breeding. 4. Selection and Breeding: The selected plants are self-pollinated or cross-pollinated with other selected plants to create the next generation. This process is repeated over several generations, with continuous selection and breeding for the desired traits. 5. Stabilization: After several generations of selection and breeding, the desired traits become stable and fixed in the population. The final plants with the desired traits are then released as new varieties.
4. What are the applications of the pedigree method in plant breeding?
The pedigree method in plant breeding has several applications, including: 1. Crop Improvement: The pedigree method is used to develop new and improved varieties of crops by selecting and breeding plants with desirable traits such as high yield, disease resistance, and tolerance to environmental stresses. 2. Trait Selection: It allows breeders to select and propagate specific traits, such as improved nutritional content, better taste, or enhanced shelf life. 3. Hybridization: The pedigree method is used in hybrid seed production, where two different inbred lines are crossed to create hybrid varieties with superior traits. 4. Conservation of Genetic Resources: Pedigree records help in maintaining the genetic diversity of plants and conserving valuable genetic resources for future breeding programs. 5. Research and Development: The pedigree method is used in scientific research to study the inheritance of traits and understand the genetic mechanisms underlying specific traits in plants.
5. How is the pedigree method useful in plant breeding for the UPSC exam?
The pedigree method in plant breeding is an important topic for the UPSC exam as it is relevant to agriculture and crop improvement. Understanding the basics of the pedigree method, its procedure, and applications can help candidates answer questions related to plant breeding, crop improvement, and genetic resources conservation. Additionally, knowledge of the pedigree method can be useful in understanding the challenges and opportunities in the field of agriculture and the importance of plant breeding in food security and sustainability.
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