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This volume offers a comprehensive exploration of both fundamental and advanced principles in the field of plant breeding. It covers key aspects, from the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources to modern breeding techniques. The book begins with foundational concepts, focusing on the genetic principles underlying successful cultivar development and exploring reproductive systems and strategies used in breeding both self- and cross-pollinated crops. The book delves into quantitative genetics, gene action, and combining ability, providing a robust framework for understanding genetic inheritance and selection processes. Various breeding strategies are discussed, aimed at optimizing yield, resilience, and other key traits, alongside hybrid development and methods for accelerating breeding cycles. Specialized topics, such as clonal selection, mutation breeding, and polyploidy breeding are explored, offering diverse approaches to improving asexually propagated crops and enhancing desirable traits. The volume also emphasizes modern advancements in plant breeding, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to streamline decision-making and accelerate breeding timelines. It highlights the importance of participatory varietal selection, engaging farmers in the breeding process, and discusses cultivar testing, genotype x environment interactions, and the procedures for cultivar release and maintenance. Designed for students, researchers, and professionals in agricultural sciences, this resource offers an in-depth guide to both traditional and cuttingedge plant breeding methodologies. It serves as an essential reference for advancing strategies in crop improvement.

Contents:

1 Foundations of Plant Breeding...........................................................1

2 Plant Genetic Resources and Pre-breeding ....................................23

3 Reproductive Systems and Cultivar Development.......................49

4 Quantitative Genetics in Plant Breeding.........................................77

5 Gene Action and Combining Ability.............................................105

6 Selection and Breeding Strategies ..................................................127

7 Breeding Methods in Self-pollinated Crops .................................153

8 Breeding Methods in Cross-pollinated Crops..............................175

9 Hybrid Development and Breeding Cycle Acceleration............195

10 Clonal Selection in Asexually Propagated Crops........................209

11 Mutation Breeding ...........................................................................229

12 Polyploidy Breeding ........................................................................249

13 Participatory Varietal Selection and Plant Breeding...................273

14 Cultivar Testing and Genotype × Environment Interaction......295

15 Cultivar Release and Maintenance Breeding ...............................317

16 Application of AI and ML in Plant Breeding ...............................337