Breeding Field Crops

Abstract

"Impressive gains in genetic production potential of crops have resulted from conventional plant breeding. The imperative of making progressive improvements in productivity and stabilization of production through incorporation of resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, however, continues. This will require that crop breeders not only introduce incisive frontier technologies into their armoury but also gain better and comprehensive. insight into all aspects necessary for success of crop breeding enterprise". This is stated on the back cover of the book "Breeding Field Crops", the book under review, edited by Prof. V.L. Chopra, New Delhi, India. The editor feels confident that this book will provide, under one cover, the information and knowledge needs in an important area of Indian (in fact, all tropical) agriculture and will be a valuable resource book for the students and practicing plant breeders alike. The Preface of the book also states "India is often cited as a country that has made a remarkable success of its plant breeding efforts. Many, specially the students of plant breeding, are interested in the details of 'what' and 'how' of the achievements made. However, a book on the wide range of components that are necessary for breeding exercise is currently not available. This volume is an attempt to cover this gap".