South Africa
June 2012

Plant breeders rely on the genetic variability of a plant population (referred to as germplasm) to be able to improve it. The way in which improvement is achieved, relies on several factors, usually dictated by the method of reproduction of the crop being propagated.

Wheat is a self-fertilising crop and as such the first step usually involves the crossing of two parents that were selected due to desirable attributes. The progeny are then subjected to several cycles of selection until pure breeding lines are obtained (usually by the 6th or 7th cycle) at which time material can be bulked-up and advanced line testing can be conducted – eventually leading to the selection of an advanced line that can be released as a new cultivar.

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Website: http://www.grainsa.co.za/

Published: June 15, 2012