Plant Breeding of F1 Seeds

Introduction
Plant breeding can be considered a coevolutionary process between humans and edible
plants. People caused changes in the plants that were used for agriculture and, in turn, those
new plant types allowed changes in human populations to take place. Plants yielding more
generous harvests freed some of the people’s time for developing art, handcrafting, and
science, eventually leading to modern human life as we know it. Civilization could not exist
without agriculture, and agriculture could not sustain the civilized world without modern crop
varieties (Harlan., 2012).
Rice is the predominant crop in the Asia-Pacific region. The region produces and
consumes over 90 percent of the world’s rice (FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)., 2014).
Rice cultivation is the dependable source for employment and income for millions of households
(Zeigler, Barclay A., 2008). Hybrid rice is a type of rice that has been bred from two very
different parents. It can significantly out yield other rice varieties. Because hybrid rice can out
yield other varieties of rice, it is a key technology that meets the increasing global demand for
rice. In the 1970s, China’s hybrid rice breeding program averted an impending famine. Today,
hybrid rice closes yield gaps evident in many areas. It also raises yield potential. Bountiful
harvests mean that farmers earn higher incomes and rice becomes available and affordable to
more consumers (https://www.irri.org/hybrid-rice.,2018).
Black rice is the native of the common rice species (Oryza sativa) and the scientific
name of black rice is (Zizania aqatica) (Kitsada, Apichart.,2013). Black rice, also known as
forbidden rice, is packed with high level of nutrients and antioxidants. The antioxidants found in
black rice is higher than the blueberries (that contain highest amount of anthocyanins). Black
rice is black due to anthocyanin content in the outer layer of its kernel. Legend tells that this rice
was consumed only by royals in China and it was expected that this rice would increase life
span of the king. Consumption of black rice without approval was hanged. Ordinary individuals
were not allowed to consume black rice. Thus this rice is also known as forbidden rice and
Emperor’s rice. Now this black heirloom rice is widely available in different parts of the world.
Researchers have found that black rice reduce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), the free
radicals produced in the body which is the cause of many diseases. This rice also reduces
diabetes, inflammation, heart attack, allergy and obesity; reduce the growth of cancer, improves
digestive system and is panacea of many health problems. Thus this rice is also known as long
life rice. Food nutritionists consider black rice as modern super foods. The cultivation method of
black rice is similar to general rice cultivation practices. There are many varieties available in
black rice which is of different Asian origin but Chinese black rice is the most famous among
them. Black rice has a wide range of applications because its bran is used as a natural food
colouring dye, and it is also used to prepare noodles, pasta, porridge, wine etc. This rice takes
slightly longer time to cook than widely available white rice. In modern era, black rice serves as
one of the best food materials available to us to maintain our health with regular physical
exercise (Kushwaha.,2016).
Objectives

 To learn how to produce F1 seeds.

 To gain more knowledge in hybridization of rice.

 To produce great quantities of hybrid seeds.


Methodology
Preparation of Seeds
Pregerminated seeds (soaked for twenty-four hours) by hand.
Transplanting
Transplanting of the rice in the container was done after 15 days.
Weeding
Handpicking of weeds was done every occurrence weeds to avoid competition of
nutrients.
Watering
Watering of plants was done regularly except rainy days.
Fertilizer Application
Application of fertilizer and pesticides in rice was done twice.

Lesson Learned
The processes of hybridization have produced many valuable crops. We learned that
hybridization is important because, in crossing breeds, a more uniform product replaces the
often heterogenous parent generations. In rice breeding, the most important qualities that
sought by breeders have been high yield potential, resistance to major diseases and insects,
and also improved grain and eating quality. However, there seems to be some conflict between
these. First the emphasis on high grain quality tends to result in unstable yields. Conversely, too
much emphasis on disease and insect resistance and stable yields leads to poor grain quality.
Hence, breeding efforts should concentrate on varieties with the potential to minimize yield
losses under unfavorable conditions, and to maximize yields when conditions are favorable. At
present, it is not possible to be very optimistic that we shall be able to develop high-yielding
varieties with quality as good as that of traditional varieties, but our efforts continue, as does our
work to develop high-yielding varieties with various grain characteristics suitable for processing.
References
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