Abstract
<jats:p>Basics of Plant Breeding: Techniques for the Future of Agriculture is a comprehensive and practical guide designed to introduce students, researchers, academicians, and agricultural professionals to the fundamental and advanced concepts of plant breeding. The book provides a systematic understanding of how scientific breeding methods contribute to crop improvement, food security, and sustainable agricultural development. It combines classical breeding principles with modern molecular and genomic approaches, offering readers a complete overview of the discipline. Plant breeding has played a vital role in increasing crop productivity, improving quality traits, and developing varieties capable of withstanding biotic and abiotic stresses. As global agriculture faces challenges such as climate change, population growth, diminishing natural resources, and emerging pests and diseases, the need for innovative breeding strategies has become more important than ever. This book explores the scientific foundations of genetics and inheritance while highlighting practical breeding techniques used in major crop improvement programs around the world. Beginning with the history and evolution of plant breeding, the book explains the principles of genetics that govern trait inheritance and variation. It discusses the importance of genetic resources and germplasm conservation as the backbone of successful breeding programs. Readers are introduced to plant reproductive biology, pollination mechanisms, and hybridization techniques that form the basis of crop improvement efforts. The book further presents breeding methods for both self-pollinated and cross-pollinated crops, explaining selection procedures, hybrid breeding, and population improvement strategies. Special emphasis is given to mutation breeding and polyploidy, which have contributed significantly to the development of improved crop varieties. Modern breeding technologies such as marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, genetic engineering, and CRISPR-based gene editing are discussed in detail to familiarize readers with cutting-edge developments in the field. In addition, the book addresses breeding for resistance against diseases, pests, drought, salinity, and other environmental stresses, highlighting the importance of climate-resilient agriculture. The final chapters focus on future perspectives, including precision breeding, artificial intelligence applications, intellectual property rights, farmers’ rights, and participatory breeding approaches. Written in a clear and student-friendly manner, this book serves as an essential resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students of agriculture, plant breeding, genetics, biotechnology, and allied sciences. It also provides valuable insights for researchers, extension workers, seed industry professionals, and policymakers interested in modern crop improvement. By integrating traditional knowledge with emerging technologies, the book aims to equip readers with the understanding and skills needed to contribute to the future of sustainable agriculture and global food security.</jats:p>