| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2046191 | Current Opinion in Plant Biology | 2012 | 6 Pages |
Today, plant breeders are being met with new opportunities to develop superior varieties. Fruitful genetic research into populations with novel diversity using genotyping by sequencing combined with genotype-to-phenotype bioinformatics has generated much knowledge that is directly relevant to crop improvement. These advances can assist the breeders in associating genetic makeup with traits of commercial value. The greatest challenge now is to find ways to attract the best young people to work in plant breeding for its innovation, open field experience and ability to support food security. We discuss the need, opportunities and conflicts associated with revamping plant breeding teaching programs to bridge the art and science of this profession with a rapidly expanding job market.
► Plant breeders can now analyze genotype to phenotype relationships to identify genetic modules underlying crop yield and heterosis. ► Plant research community should encourage the development of common solutions to data handling and presentation of complex phenotypes. ► To breed more efficiently, we need to revamp our teaching programs to fulfill the growing global demand for next generation plant breeders.
