Backcross Breeding in crop plants J.Nanjundan, K.Mohanraj, A.

Anna Durai and Ravinder Kumar Backcross breeding enables breeders to transfer a desired trait such as a transgene from one variety (donor parent) into the favored genetic background of another (recurrent parent). If the trait of interest is produced by a dominant gene, this process involves four rounds of backcrossing within seven seasons. If the gene is recessive, this process requires more generations of selfing and thus nine or more seasons are needed. Transfer one trait to a cultivar Recurrent parent (high yielding adapted cultivar) Donor parent (contributes desired gene) Character can be recovered in segregating populations Genotype of recurrent parent can be recovered The donor parent is crossed to the recurrent parent. The progeny of this cross is then crossed back to the recurrent parent. The progeny of this cross is selected for the trait of interest and then crossed back to the recurrent parent. This process is repeated for as many back crosses as are needed to create a line that is the recurrent parent with the gene of interest from the donor parent. With each succeeding backcross generation, a greater proportion of the recurrent parent genes are obtained along with the donor lines gene(s) of interest. Factors affecting Backcross progress Linkage. Number of genes to incorporate. Availability of screening tools. Trait being dominant or recessive. Difference in genetic background between donor and recurrent parent. Fingerprinting for recurrent parent recovery Advantages Step wise improvement of cultivar Multiple generations per year Extensive yield tests not necessary Small population size Disadvantages; Very conservative (only one gene) Not good for low heritable traits