Genetics and Plant Breeding

Plant breeding concerned with the improvement of crops through techniques involving creation of genetic variation and subsequent selection of the desirable genotype is crucial to the continual growth of agriculture especially if the introduction of such crops with characters like high yield superior quality early maturity resistance to disease and pests etc. is to be done. Genetically modified plants are created by the process of genetic engineering, which allows scientists to move genetic material between organisms with the aim of changing their characteristics. All organisms are composed of cells that contain the DNA molecule. Molecules of DNA form units of genetic information, known as genes. Modern techniques of genetic engineering an: essentially a refinement of the kinds of genetic modifications that have long been used to enhance plants, microorganisms and animals for food. Advancements in molecular and cell biology have led to the development of a range of techniques for manipulating genomes, collectively termed as biotechnology. Today, biotechnology is being used as a tool to give plants new traits that benefit agricultural production, the environment and human nutrition and health. This book aims at providing the basic background on all aspects related to cell, genetics and plant breeding.