Читать книгу Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding - George Acquaah - Страница 210

Plant breeders need to understand the reproductive systems of plants for the following key reasons:

 The genetic structure of plants depends on their mode of reproduction. Methods of breeding are generally selected such that the natural genetic structure of the species is retained in the cultivar. Otherwise, special efforts will be needed to maintain the newly developed cultivar in cultivation.

 In flowering species, artificial hybridization is needed to conduct genetic studies to understand the inheritance of traits of interest, and for transfer of genes of interest from one parent to another. To accomplish this, the breeder needs to understand thoroughly the floral biology and other factors associated with flowering in the species.

 Artificial hybridization requires an effective control of pollination so that only the desired pollen is allowed to be involved in the cross. To this end, the breeder needs to understand the reproductive behavior of the species. Pollination control is critical to the hybrid seed industry.

 The mode of reproduction also determines the procedures for multiplication and maintenance of cultivars developed by plant breeders.