Genetic variability is important for the improvement of crops. Explain how it helps plant breeder for the improvement of crops. Also mention all possible techniques to create genetic variability in crops.
Genetic variation refers to differences between individuals or differences between populations. Genetic variability/diversity provides a great opportunity for plant breeders to improved cultivars with desirable traits and develops new cultivars both farmer-preferred traits (yield potential, early maturity, good shapes, taste, colour, long shelf life, easy to cook) and breeders preferred traits (disease and pest resistance). Natural genetic variability has been used by plant breeders and local farmers to improve their production. With the increment in population, GA plays important role in the alleviation of poverty. Variability among population enhances plant breeders to study the source and come out with new cultivar.
This could be done by mutation, hybridization between incompatible types or introgression, wide-hybridization, and recombination.
Genetic variability is influenced by the following factors; mutation, natural selection, environmental diversity, genetic drift, migration, and population size.
For any crop improvement program, genetic variability is the initial step to screen the presence of novel genetic resources in the breeding program. The evaluation of genetic information on yield and yield contributing traits are necessary for seed yield improvement and it is tough to know the ratio of observed variability. Such as when plant breeders are using repeated germplasms, that time have resulted in low genetic variability.
When we harvest a crop we normally tend to make it favourable for its survival, and this includes its genetic material. This difference in genetic material means the genetic variability for survival. Natural fertilization or even artificially (but not with unique "pollination"), this reduces variability. The close proximity of crops allows it. Also the seeds they use. (the seeds are bought each year?). The use of fertilisers "strong" may reduce the variability as they" kill the microbes"
Genetic diversity is needed to safeguard potentially vital traits that could be used to combat an unexpected future pest or adapt to the needs of the world's food supply. Plant breeders utilize genetic diversity to create improved crop varieties with traits such as yield, pest resistance and environment stress.
Plant/crops breeding is the art wherebye the various preferred traits of a given plant managed (selection, crossing, etc.) to enhance or improve the yield (production and productivity), quality, disease, insect pest, abiotic stress, etc. tollerated. Such types of crops are required by users. All such activity is operated on the bases of genetic variability. So, for breeders, genetic variability simplifies the chance of achieving the targetd goal.
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