Articles
BACK TO BASICS FOR NEW CROP DEVELOPMENT
Article number
836_26
Pages
185 – 191
Language
English
Abstract
Breeding of new ornamental crops is one of the most rewarding professions in the world.
Researchers are, however, faced with challenges that require both new and innovative approaches, as well as the utilization of trusted classical breeding methods.
Although new breeding methods, such as marker assisted selection and genetic modification, opens up numerous possibilities, these methods can often not be applied to new (relatively unknown) crop development.
First of all, there is a lack of basic information needed for application of these methods and secondly, the commercial value of these crops does not justify the use of such expensive methods.
Breeders of new crops are, thus, often faced with lack of basic information, requiring them to go back to basics and the utilization of more classical breeding strategies.
The requirements for new crop development are discussed on the basis of the experience acquired with the development of Lachenalia cultivars.
When developing new crops, researchers work mostly with a number of species and the information required needs to be generated through researching market potential, genetic background and selection procedures.
New crop development requires, first of all, the collection and characterization of germplasm, followed by the establishment of basic information on reproductive biology and market requirements, or the aim for breeding.
Inter-specific hybridization and the establishment of specific selection criteria form the major part of breeding in new crops, and this is often complemented by the induction of polyploids.
For the successful continuation of these processes, it is necessary to establish the basic cytogenetic background for the crop.
This becomes even more important when working with complex/diverse genera.
The cytogenetic research can complement molecular systematic research to establish the relationships between the different species in the breeding program.
The value of cytogenetic and molecular systematic studies in genetics and breeding are demonstrated through the research done on Lachenalia species.
Mutation induction is another breeding strategy that requires basic background information for successful application.
This includes the establishment of basic in vitro protocols and the selection of specific candidate plants.
Only after the establishment of these basic information systems can the breeder move to advanced techniques.
Researchers are, however, faced with challenges that require both new and innovative approaches, as well as the utilization of trusted classical breeding methods.
Although new breeding methods, such as marker assisted selection and genetic modification, opens up numerous possibilities, these methods can often not be applied to new (relatively unknown) crop development.
First of all, there is a lack of basic information needed for application of these methods and secondly, the commercial value of these crops does not justify the use of such expensive methods.
Breeders of new crops are, thus, often faced with lack of basic information, requiring them to go back to basics and the utilization of more classical breeding strategies.
The requirements for new crop development are discussed on the basis of the experience acquired with the development of Lachenalia cultivars.
When developing new crops, researchers work mostly with a number of species and the information required needs to be generated through researching market potential, genetic background and selection procedures.
New crop development requires, first of all, the collection and characterization of germplasm, followed by the establishment of basic information on reproductive biology and market requirements, or the aim for breeding.
Inter-specific hybridization and the establishment of specific selection criteria form the major part of breeding in new crops, and this is often complemented by the induction of polyploids.
For the successful continuation of these processes, it is necessary to establish the basic cytogenetic background for the crop.
This becomes even more important when working with complex/diverse genera.
The cytogenetic research can complement molecular systematic research to establish the relationships between the different species in the breeding program.
The value of cytogenetic and molecular systematic studies in genetics and breeding are demonstrated through the research done on Lachenalia species.
Mutation induction is another breeding strategy that requires basic background information for successful application.
This includes the establishment of basic in vitro protocols and the selection of specific candidate plants.
Only after the establishment of these basic information systems can the breeder move to advanced techniques.
Publication
Authors
R. Kleynhans
Keywords
Lachenalia, breeding strategies, genetics
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