Plant Breeding for Resistance to Pests and Diseases

The resource "Plant Breeding for Resistance to Pests and Diseases" is a thorough examination of the critical role of plant breeding in the development of crops that are resistant to these diseases. This book provides a pertinent and essential guide for agricultural professionals, breeders, and researchers who are working to improve the resilience of crops in the face of escalating challenges resulting from climate change, evolving pests, and emergent diseases. The book delves into a wide variety of subjects, beginning with the fundamental concepts of plant breeding, such as the evolution, significance, and scope of breeding techniques. It then explores the mechanisms of resistance, classifying them into genetic and non-genetic categories and conducting a comprehensive analysis of vertical and horizontal resistance strategies. The complexities of developing long-lasting resistant varieties are also explored, with a focus on the role of pathogen variability and its influence on breeding efforts. The book discusses contemporary biotechnological methods, including genetic engineering, genomic selection, and CRISPR-Cas9 technology, which are revolutionising the development of pest- and disease-resistant crops, in addition to traditional breeding methods. It also investigates the function of sophisticated instruments, such as marker-assisted selection and phenotyping, in enhancing reproductive precision. The book emphasises real-world applications...