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What is Plant Breeding?

Plant Breeding is the genetic improvement of crop plants for human benefit through the study and application of multiple scientific disciplines. Plant breeding is also described as the collection, creation/manipulation, and evaluation of genetic variation to make heritable changes in plants that are advantageous to mankind.

Experiences of plant breeding education
Plant Breeding education and research at ISU, including sorghum, soybean and maize projects

What is the importance of Plant Breeding?
It addresses world food security issues directly or indirectly by:

  • Increasing the efficiency/productivity of crops and production system.
  • Improving the bioavailability of key nutrients or reducing anti-nutritive compounds.
  • Developing crops for specific production systems.
  • Making forages more digestible and creating efficient biorenewable fuels.

Why Study Plant Breeding?