(N/A) The development of a new genetic variety of a crop involves several systematic steps:
$1$. Collection of Variability: Genetic variability is the root of any breeding program. Pre-existing genetic variability is collected from wild relatives and landraces of the crop.
$2$. Evaluation and Selection of Parents: The germplasm is evaluated to identify plants with desirable traits. These plants are then multiplied and used in the process of hybridization.
$3$. Cross Hybridization among the Selected Parents: This involves crossing two plants with different desirable traits (e.g.,high protein quality from one parent and disease resistance from another) to combine the traits into one progeny.
$4$. Selection and Testing of Superior Recombinants: This step involves selecting those progeny plants that have the desired combination of traits. This is a crucial and scientifically demanding process,often involving self-pollination for several generations to achieve homozygosity.
$5$. Testing,Release,and Commercialization of New Cultivars: The selected lines are evaluated for yield and other agronomic traits of quality,disease resistance,etc.,in research fields and then in farmers' fields for at least three growing seasons at several locations. Finally,the material is certified and released as a new variety.