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Scientific Breeding in the Twentieth Century and Future Goals

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Plant Breeding: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

Advances in genetics and cytology during the first half of the twentieth century informed the development of new plant breeding methods. Variable landraces were increasingly replaced by higher yielding and more uniform cultivars, the type determined by the mode of reproduction (sexual or asexual) and mating system (self-pollination or cross-pollination) of the cultivated plant species. Molecular breeding methods, including genetic modification, were added following the publication of the molecular structure of DNA in 1953. Four major achievements over the last 115 years are considered: the commercial success of hybrid maize in the USA; the Green Revolution and the prevention of famine in India; increased potato production in China and India; and the advent of genetically modified crops. Future goals are considered in broad terms, with an emphasis on increased but sustainable food production during a period of climate change, given the requirements of crops for plant growth, development and reproduction.

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  1. Edinburgh, UK

    John E. Bradshaw

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Bradshaw, J.E. (2016). Scientific Breeding in the Twentieth Century and Future Goals. In: Plant Breeding: Past, Present and Future. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23285-0_2

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