By: Prof. R. K. Yadav, Deptt. of Genetics and Plant Breeding C.S.Azad Univ. of Agril. & Tech.,Kanpur & Executive Editor-ICN Group
KANPUR: Man is almost absolutely dependent on plants for his food. The things he eats, virtually without exception, are either plant materials or derived rather directly from plants as are, for example, meat, eggs and dairy products. Plants are also the major source, directly or indirectly, of most clothing fuel, drugs, and construction materials.
Moreover, as ornamentals, they are both useful and aesthetically pleasing. Considering the prime importance of plants, it is not surprising that men have long been concerned with developing types better suited to satisfying their needs.
Only recently, however, and largely in conjunction with the growth of genetics, have these attempts been systematized to the point where they can be called a science. This comparatively new science, the science of plant breeding, is the concern.
Much of the emphasis in plant breeding has been placed on increasing agricultural productivity. This has been in response to the pressure on an adequate food supply caused by constantly increasing population in a world of limited acres.
Except during brief periods of abundance, human populations, like populations of other animals, have suffered from hunger. Each period of abundance has brought a jump in population, followed by hunger and its aftereffects, pestilence, high infant mortality, and meager sickly lives.
The supply of new agricultural land is of course decreasing steadily. This is not to say, however, that opportunities no longer exit for the development of new areas. For example, there are some who regard the agricultural potentialities of the tropics as favorable.
Many believe that the sea has great potential for the production of food-stuffs. Many opportunities of more conventional and proven types also remain, but they are increasingly associated with comparatively expensive reclamation projects such as irrigation of deserts and drainage of swamps.
Unfortunately, most of the new sources of sustenance that have been suggested, such as algae and plankton, are uninspiring.Another opportunity to increase production lies in improved agricultural practices, including better fertilization, more effective crop rotations, improved tillage methods and more efficient weed, disease and insect control.
If improved method of crop production now at our disposal were used throughout the world and more particularly in many nations less agriculturally advanced, the productivity of the earth would doubtless be greatly increased. There is, of course, no way of estimating how close modern production methods have brought us to the maximum yields possible. It does appear certain, however, that great advances remain to be made.
Finally, we can expect plant breeding to contribute substantially to greater agricultural productivity. This will be accomplished not only by the breeding of basically higher yielding varieties but also by the development of varieties that help to stabilize production through resistance to disease, drought, heat, cold and wind. The probable future of plant breeding can perhaps best be illustrated by an examination of the contributions it has made in past.
