INTRODUCTION TO PLANT BREEDING

AGRONOMY 815 / COURSE NOTES

P. STEPHEN BAENZIGER, 338 Keim Hall, 472-1538

DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY / UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA

BREEDING PLANTS FOR STRESS ENVIRONMENTS

Ref. Lewis, C.F. and M.N. Christiansen. 1981. p 151-175 in Frey (ed.) Plant Breeding II.

Considering the physical environment . . .

INDIRECT BREEDING FOR STRESS ENVIRONMENTS

Regular performance trials. Breeding material is not being directly tested for stress response but is exposed to stress conditions in regular field performance trials. e.g., In Nebraska we frequently have high temperature and drought conditions. By selecting for high yield and quality, the breeder is automatically selecting for individuals/families/strains with stress resistant characteristics. Direct measurement of stress tolerance is not made.

NOTE: THIS EMPHASIZES THE NEED TO CONDUCT EVALUATION TRIALS UNDER CONDITIONS THAT REPRESENT THE REGION THAT ONE IS BREEDING FOR.