This chapter presents an extensive review of traditional plant breeding approaches utilized in improvement of crops with respect to self-pollinated and cross-pollinated crops. It covers key methodologies, including conventional breeding methods like pure-line selection, mass selection, and pedigree methods, as well as more advanced strategies such as recurrent selection, hybridization, and backcross methods separately. The conventional approaches emphasize the selection of phenotypically, superior plants to enhance traits such as yield, resistance to diseases, and adaptability to abiotic conditions, while maintaining genetic diversity. The document also explores the use of hybridization to exploit heterosis, the development of synthetic varieties, and the application of recurrent selection for specific and general combining ability. Furthermore, it discusses the limitations, advantages, and practical applications of each method, offering insights into their effectiveness in addressing contemporary agricultural challenges such as climate change and pest resistance. The detailed procedures, achievements, and potential for further improvement in crop varieties are highlighted, underscoring the critical role of these breeding strategies in ensuring sustainable agriculture and food security.
Pure-Line Selection, Pedigree method, Bulk method, back cross method
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