<p style="text-align:justify">The book is in accordance with the recommendations of the <strong>ICAR Sixth Deans&#39; Committee and NEP-2020</strong>, this textbook presents the fundamental and applied aspects of Plant Breeding in a comprehensive, student-friendly, and outcome-oriented manner. The book systematically covers the principles of inheritance, genetic variability, breeding methods for self-, cross-, and asexually propagated crops, hybridization techniques, heterosis breeding, mutation and polyploidy breeding, breeding for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and modern concepts of variety development, release, and protection.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">The text integrates classical breeding concepts with contemporary developments in crop improvement and presents the subject through illustrations, flowcharts, tables, and practical examples to facilitate conceptual understanding and experiential learning. Special emphasis has been given to the application of breeding principles in enhancing crop productivity, resilience, nutritional quality, and sustainability in the context of changing agricultural challenges.</p> <p style="text-align:justify"><strong>Salient Features</strong></p> <p style="text-align:justify">&bull; Fully aligned with the latest <strong>ICAR Sixth Deans&#39; Committee syllabus and course outcomes</strong>.<br /> &bull; Outcome-based and competency-driven presentation as envisaged under <strong>NEP-2020</strong>.<br /> &bull; Covers both fundamental principles and applied aspects of crop improvement.<br /> &bull; Incorporates illustrations, comparative tables, flowcharts, and practical examples for effective learning.<br /> &bull; Includes important numerical problems, key definitions, and chapter-end review questions.<br /> &bull; Emphasizes skill development in hybridization techniques, selection methods, and breeding strategies for different crop groups.<br /> &bull; Highlights contemporary topics such as stress breeding, participatory plant breeding, DUS testing, PPV&amp;FRA, and Intellectual Property Rights.<br /> &bull; Serves as a valuable resource for classroom teaching, practical training, experiential learning, and examination preparation.</p> <p style="text-align:justify">This textbook is primarily intended for <strong>undergraduate students of Agriculture and Horticulture</strong> and will also serve as a useful reference for postgraduate students, teachers, researchers, and professionals engaged in crop improvement and plant breeding programmes.</p>

Dr. Stuti Sharma, Assistant Professor at the College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, holds  M.Sc. (Ag.), ARS NET, and Ph.D. in Plant Breeding & Genetics. With eleven years of experience in research, teaching, and extension under AICRP on Soybean, she has significantly contributed as Co-Breeder of six Soybean Mega Varieties—JS 20-69, JS 20-98, JS 20-94, JS 20-116, JS 23-03 and JS 23-09 along with two Urd bean verities TJU 130 and TJU 339 . Currently, she serves as In-charge of DUS, PPV & FRA, AICRP on Rabi Pulses, and also as the Liaison Officer of the university. She has been recognized with a National-level silver medal in debate during her undergraduate studies and has received six national awards in research. Dr. Sharma possesses expertise in statistical and biometrical data analysis, traditional breeding for abiotic stress tolerance, yield trial management, breeding generation handling, and scientific writing. She has published 55 research papers, authored 4 books, and presented 40 abstracts at national and international conferences

Dr. Archana Rani is currently serving as a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. She holds both her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Genetics from Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, where she was awarded university fellowships for academic excellence throughout her postgraduate studies.

With nearly a decade of professional experience in agricultural research and academics, Dr. Rani has significantly contributed to several key research projects, including a Japan –funded JICA project on the Evaluation of promising soybean genotypes under excessive soil moisture conditions and the ICAR-funded CRP on Hybrid Technology in Wheat. Her teaching and research engagements have also extended to U.P. College (affiliated with LNM University, Darbhanga) and her alma mater in Pusa, Bihar.

A major milestone in her career is her association with the development of the wheat variety MP 3535. Her scholarly contributions are substantial, with over 30 research papers, 19 book chapters, and 27 extension articles published in reputed platforms. She is also the author of the academic book Agricultural Biotechnology – Concept and Practices, which reflects her expertise in the field. In recognition of her scientific contributions, Dr. Rani was honored with the Young Scientist Award at an international symposium held at Sido Kanhu Murmu University, Dumka, Jharkhand. Her active participation in 17 national and international seminars, symposia, and training programs further underscores her commitment to continuous learning and knowledge dissemination in the agricultural sciences.

<p style="text-align:justify">1 Historical Development of Plant Breeding&nbsp;<br /> 2 Concept, Nature and Role of Plant Breeding&nbsp;<br /> 3 Major Achievements and Future Prospects of Plant Breeding<br /> 4 Genetics in Relation to Plant Breeding<br /> 5 Modes of Reproduction and Apomixes, Self- Incompatibility and Male-Sterility-Genetic Consequences<br /> 6 Cultivar Options , Plant Genetic Resources Its Utilization in Plant Breeding<br /> 7 Conservation Domestication, Acclimatization and Introduction of Plant Breeding<br /> 8 Centres of Origin/ Diversity, Components of Genetic Variation &nbsp;<br /> 9 Heritability and Genetic Advance. of Plant Breeding<br /> 10 Pre-Breeding and Universal Plant Breeder&rsquo;s Equation<br /> 11 Genetic Basis and Breeding Methods in Self-Pollinated Crops- Mass and Pure Line Selection<br /> 12 Hybridization Techniques and Handling of Segregating Population of Plant Breeding<br /> 13 Multiline Concept, Concepts of Population Genetics and Hardy-Weinberg Law<br /> 14 Genetic Basis and Methods of Breeding Cross-Pollinated Crops, Modes of Selection<br /> 15 Population Movement Schemes-Ear to Row Method, Modified Ear to Row, Recurrent Selection Schemes. Of Plant Breeding<br /> 16 Heterosis And Inbreeding Depression, Development of Inbred Lines and Hybrids, Composite and Synthetic Varieties<br /> 17 Breeding Methods in Asexually Propagated Crops, Clonal Selection and Hybridization<br /> 18 Wide Hybridization and Pre-Breeding. Polyploidy in Relation to Plant Breeding, Mutation Breeding- Methods and Uses<br /> 19 Breeding for Important Biotic and Abiotic Stresses<br /> 20 Participatory Plant Breeding. Variety Release and Notification<br /> 21 Intellectual Property Rights, Patenting, Plant Breeders and Farmer&rsquo;s Right<br /> &nbsp;</p>