Fundamentals of Plant Breeding (B.Sc Agriculture)

Breeding objectives, reproduction systems, selection and hybridisation methods for self and cross pollinated crops.

6 MonthsDuration 5Chapters21Topics

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Syllabus · पाठ्यक्रम

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01Unit 1: Introduction and Centres of Origin 4 topics

Meaning, objectives and history of plant breeding
Achievements in India
Domestication and centres of origin (Vavilov)
Plant genetic resources

02Unit 2: Modes of Reproduction and Pollination Control 5 topics

Sexual and asexual reproduction
Apomixis
Self- and cross-pollination
Self-incompatibility and male sterility
Emasculation and hybridisation technique

03Unit 3: Breeding Self-pollinated Crops 4 topics

Pure line theory and pure line selection
Mass selection
Pedigree and bulk methods
Backcross method

04Unit 4: Breeding Cross-pollinated Crops 4 topics

Population improvement and mass selection
Recurrent selection
Synthetic and composite varieties
Mutation and polyploidy breeding

05Unit 5: Heterosis, Hybrids and Seed Production 4 topics

Heterosis and inbreeding depression
Hybrid development: A, B and R lines
Seed classes: nucleus, breeder, foundation, certified
Variety release and notification

About

You will be able to

Explain the history, objectives and achievements of plant breeding
Explain centres of origin, modes of reproduction and pollination control mechanisms
Describe breeding methods for self-pollinated crops: pure line, mass, pedigree, bulk and backcross
Describe breeding methods for cross-pollinated crops: recurrent selection, synthetics and composites
Explain heterosis, inbreeding depression and hybrid seed production using male sterility
Explain the seed classes and variety release system in India

Who it is for

B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture students of Semester 3 (ICAR 5th Deans' Committee syllabus)
Students of UP agriculture colleges preparing for semester exams or back papers
Aspirants revising basics for ICAR / state agriculture exams

What you need

Fundamentals of Genetics (Semester 2)
Calculator for heterosis numericals

Questions

Which syllabus does this course follow?

It follows the ICAR 5th Deans' Committee syllabus of B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture, Semester 3, used by UP agricultural universities and agriculture colleges.

What if my university syllabus is different?

The centre follows your own university's syllabus and previous papers; units missing here are added for your batch.

Does it help for competitive exams?

Yes - the same topics are asked in ICAR AIEEA PG, JRF, state agriculture officer and banking AFO exams.