Conventional Breeding

Definition

Conventional breeding is a traditional method for improving plants and animals through controlled mating to select for desirable traits over generations.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Conventional breeding, also known as selective breeding, involves the intentional mating of plants or animals with specific traits to produce offspring that possess these preferred characteristics. This method utilizes the genetic variance available in the existing gene pool without direct manipulation of the organism's DNA, as is done in genetic engineering.

Benefits

• Produces improved yield and quality of crops.
• Enhances resistance to diseases and pests.
• Increases tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought or poor soil conditions.
• Maintains overall biodiversity by utilizing natural genetic variation.

Examples

• Cross-pollination of different varieties of wheat to improve drought resistance.
• Selective breeding of cattle for higher milk production.
• Mating tomato plants with naturally disease-resistant varieties.

Additional Information

• importance: Conventional breeding is crucial for sustainable agriculture as it enhances crop productivity and food security without the use of genetic modification techniques.

Related Terms

• Genetic Engineering
• Selective Breeding
• Hybridization
• Non-GMO Foods
• Biodiversity

References

• Understanding Plant Breeding: Conventional and Biotechnology Methods
• The Role of Traditional Plant Breeding in Developing Resilient Crops