Chromosome Engineering for High Precision Crop Improvement

Abstract

Logarithmically increasing population and steadily changing climatic conditions have created a threatening situation of food insecurity worldwide and pose a challenge to breeders. In view of the narrow genetic background of the cultivated crop species, it has become imperative to broaden their genetic base by introgressing alien genes. However, monitoring the introgression(s) is indispensable for accelerated and high precision crop improvement. This chapter reveals the application of various innovative approaches like haploid inducer genes and chromosome elimination-mediated doubled haploidy breeding in barley, maize, wheat and potato required for the acceleration of breeding endeavours. It also covers the strategic chromosome engineering techniques needed for the alien chromatin introgression in wheat and further monitoring by use of novel molecular cytogenetic tools, including GISH and FISH for the targeted genetic upgradation with high precision.