Breeding Self-Fertilizing Plants: From Inbred to Hybrid Cultivars

Abstract

Self-fertilizing (selfing) species cultivars may be composites, inbred lines, multilines, or hybrids. The methods for crossbreeding selfing species are mass selection, pedigree, bulk, single seed-descent, doubled haploids, backcrossing, hybridization, and population improvement through recurrent selection. Pedigree remains as the main breeding method, though hybrid and populations improvement methods are also used. Plant genetic engineering, DNA marker-aided breeding, and genomic selection may also be used for breeding selfing species such as rice, tomato, and wheat. Ex ante and in silico assessments may assist determining the best approach, method, or technology before incorporating them into a breeding program.