Fruit Breeding Definition: Quiz and Flashcards on Breeding of Fruit and Plantation Crops

Study Notes

Major Problems in Fruit Breeding

Fruit crops have long generation cycles (2-10 years) and juvenile periods, making early assessment difficult
Fruit species are highly heterozygous, requiring large populations for effective selection
Many fruit species are polyploidy (e.g. ber, banana) and exhibit polyembryony (e.g. citrus, mango)
Some fruit species exhibit parthenocarpy and seedlessness (e.g. banana, pineapple) and sexual incompatibility (e.g. mango, apple, pear, loquat)
High number of chromosomes hinders genetic analysis (e.g. ber, mulberry)
Excessive fruit drop is a problem in some fruit crops (e.g. mango, citrus, grape)
Presence of single seed in many fruit species requires more crosses (e.g. mango, litchi, mahua)

Objectives of Plant/Fruit Breeding

The main objective is to achieve maximum quality production per unit area with low cost and minimal biotic and abiotic stresses
Objectives vary depending on the fruit plant, location, and requirements

Importance of Fruit Breeding

Fruit breeding research in India began in the twenties and gained importance in the sixties due to growing awareness of fruits' importance in daily diet
During the last two decades, research approach on fruits has undergone significant changes with increased multi-location, interdisciplinary, and inter-institutional involvement
Intensive research has resulted in the development of improved cultivars, but problems in breeding horticultural crops still exist
There is a need for systematic and dedicated efforts to develop ideal varieties through modern tools in fruit crops

Definition of Fruit Breeding

Fruit breeding is the manipulation of a biological system that requires many generations to achieve results
It is a dynamic, exciting, and challenging profession that operates under continually changing conditions
Fruit breeding involves the genetic improvement of crop plants for economic use and is an art, science, and technology
The aim of plant breeding is to improve the characteristics of plants to make them more desirable agronomically and economically

Description

Learn about the major problems in fruit breeding, including long generation cycles and juvenile periods, and their impact on crop development. This quiz covers the basics of breeding fruit and plantation crops, ideal for B.Sc 2nd Year students. Test your knowledge and understand the challenges in fruit breeding.