Advances in Seed Production Technology in Field Crops
摘要
It is well recognized that the use of quality seeds of improved crop varieties substantially contributes to agricultural production by increasing the productivity up to 15–20%. Efficacy and accuracy of seed production technology are, therefore, vital in ensuring availability of sufficient quantities of quality seed of improved varieties, including those of hybrids, at an affordable cost to enable farmers achieve enhanced crop productivity and also resilience under stress conditions. This chapter elaborates the evolution of seed production technology, with special emphasis to that of hybrids, strengthening conventional techniques with the application of cutting-edge methodologies, such as marker-assisted selection, genomic prediction, genetic engineering, transcriptomics, epigenetics, and bioinformatics, which have revolutionized breeding strategies, facilitating trait manipulation, parent selection, and heterosis exploitation. These multidisciplinary approaches not only streamline production processes but also drive innovations in improving crop performance in the face of current challenges of climate change faced by Indian agriculture. By integrating genetic insights with precision technologies, seed production stands poised to revolutionize global agriculture, ensuring sustainable food production for future generations.