Author
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Campbell, Larry |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2001 Publication Date: 2/1/2002 Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: The commercial production of any plant species depends upon the availability of cultivars that meet the needs of producers, processors, and consumers. Development of new cultivars is a continual process due to the demands for greater productivity, higher quality, and improved pest resistance. Cultivar development is a time consuming laborious process. Plant breeders must strive to design a strategy for cultivar improvement that optimizes utilization of available resources. This article will assist sugarbeet breeders, especially those entering the field or initiating a new program, in achieving that objective. Technical Abstract: The commercial production of any plant species depends upon the availability of cultivars that meet the needs of producers, processors, and consumers. Development of new cultivars is a continual process due to the demands for greater productivity, higher quality, and improved pest resistance. Cultivar development is a time consuming laborious process. Plant breeders must strive to design a strategy for cultivar improvement that optimizes utilization of available resources. This article will assist sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris) breeders, especially those entering the field or initiating a new program, in achieving that objective. The major areas covered are; Plant Characteristics and Inheritance, Hybrid Production, Selection Techniques, Agronomic Traits, and Germplasm Resources. The numerous literature citations will facilitate the exploration of specific topics in more detail. |
