In this article we will discuss about the biotechnology in plant breeding. In the conventional plant breeding programme, the development of a new variety or hybrid takes about five to twelve years, starting from inbred production and then hybridization and selection of F1 hybrids. To overcome the sexual barrier (pre-fertilisation and post-fertilisation), there is the need of modern non-conventional breeding [...]
In this article we will discuss about the cultivation and improvement of tea. Tea: Tea, Camellia sinensis, is one of the most popular caffeine containing beverage, obtained from tender leaves of the tea plants after processing. Tea contains 13-18% tannin, 2-5% theine and a volatile oil. There are two main varieties, e.g., bohea (Chinese tea) and assamica (Indian, i.e., Assam [...]
The following points highlight the five main steps involved in breeding a new genetic variety of a crop. The steps are: 1. Collection of Variability 2. Evaluation and Selection of Parents 3. Cross Hybridisation among the Selected Parents 4. Selection and Testing of Superior Recombinants 5. Testing, Release and Commercialisation of New Cultivars. Step # 1. Collection of Variability: Genetic [...]