Читать книгу Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding - George Acquaah - Страница 16

Agriculture is the deliberate planting and harvesting of plants and herding animals. This human invention has and continues to impact society and the environment. Plant breeding is a branch of agriculture that focuses on manipulating plant heredity to develop new and improved plant types for use by society. People in society are aware and appreciative of the enormous diversity in plants and plant products. They have preferences for certain varieties of flowers and food crops. They are aware that whereas some of this variation is natural, humans with special expertise (plant breeders) create some of it. Also, there is a general perception that such creations derive from crossing different plants. This introductory chapter is devoted to presenting a brief overview of plant breeding, including its benefits to society and some historical perspectives. After completing this chapter, the student should have a general understanding of:

1 The need and importance of plant breeding to society.

2 The goals of plant breeding.

3 The art and science of plant breeding.

4 Trends in plant breeding as an industry.

5 Selected milestones and accomplishments of plant breeders.

6 The future of plant breeding in society.