Question

Which of the following step is the main root of any plant breeding programme?

(a) Genetic variability

(b) Evaluation and selection of parents

(c) Cross hybridisation among the selected parents

(d) Selection and testing of superior recombinants

This question was posed to me in an international level competition.

This intriguing question originated from Food Production Strategies topic in section Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production of Biology – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) Genetic variability

For explanation: Genetic variability is the root of any breeding programme. In many crops, pre-existing genetic variability is available from wild relatives of the crop. Collection and preservation of all the different wild varieties, species and relatives of the cultivated species is a pre-requisite for effective exploitation of natural genes available in the population.