Question

Collection of genetic variability is required in plant breeding programme because
(A) It leads to inbreeding depression in hybrids
(B) It is the root of any breeding programme
(С) Diverse alleles in germplasm helps you to choose desirable charters
(D) Both (B) and (C)

Answer 1

Plant breeding is defined as the scientific process through which the traits of plants are changed and produce a new plant variety which consists of the desired characteristics. This method is usually applied to increase the quality, viability and nutritional value of products.

Complete answer:
Hybridization is defined as a mechanism through which different varieties of organisms are created by genetic variation. In this process, crossbreeding takes place between genetically dissimilar parents is done to produce hybrids. It is also termed as plant breeding. The purpose of the plant breeding is the manipulation of plant and production of plant species with more or different desired characteristics. Through the process of plant breeding the produced species or hybrids are more suitable for cultivation with high yielding and high resistant power.
Now let us find solution from given options:
(A) It leads to inbreeding depression in hybrids : Continued self-pollination across the same species can lead to inbreeding depression.
(B) It is the root of any breeding programme : Collection of germplasm or the collection of genetic variability is the first step and is the root of the breeding programme. It represents the sum of alleles of specific species.
(С) Diverse alleles in germplasm help you to choose desirable characters : The different kinds of alleles taken from a specific parent or relative helps us to choose the characters that we want.
(D) Both (B) and (C): As both above options are correct this option is correct.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘D’.

Note: Plant breeding is a very famous and useful scientific method to produce genetic variation. In this method, two or more types of the plant go through the crossing and give rise to a new type of breed with the desired combination. The process of plant breeding undergoes some steps like the collection of varieties and their selection as the parent plant. Then their crossing occurs and progeny is produced and finally, it is to be tested in an experimental field for a minimum of three sessions.