Seed breeding is a process in which various methods are used for the development and improvement of plant varieties. These methods are generally used to manipulate plant genetics, select plants with desired characteristics, and create new varieties with various breeding techniques. Here are some commonly used methods in seed breeding:
Single seed descent methods: In this method, plants with desired characteristics are obtained through breeding studies conducted on a single plant. This is used especially in cases that require genetic analysis for the plant to have the desired characteristics.
Biotechnological methods: Biotechnological methods enable changing the genetic structure of plants and obtaining desired characteristics using genetic engineering techniques.
Selection with cytological methods: Cytological methods enable selecting plants with desired characteristics by examining the cellular structure of plants.
Mutation breeding methods: Mutation breeding enables creating random gene mutations in plants using radiation or chemicals and selecting plants with desired characteristics.
These methods represent only a few of the various techniques used in seed breeding. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the method to be used is determined depending on the plant species to be bred, the targeted characteristics, and available resources.