Opti on F .

4 Pl an t an d A ni mal
Br eedi ng
 F.4. 1 Def ine i nbr ee di ng,
outbree di ng, i nter spe cifi c
hybri diza tion , pol ypl oi dy and F1
hybr id v igou r.
Inbreeding – reproduction involving fusion of
gametes produced by genetically unrelated
individuals

Outbreeding – reproduction involving the

fusion of gametes produced by genetically
unrelated individuals

Interspecific hybridization – sexual

reproduction between members of different
species
Polyploidy – having more than two haploid
sets of chromosomes

F1 hybrid vigour – vigour due to high levels of

heterozygosity (the gene for specific trait are
different)
F.4.2 Ou tline one e xam pl e for eac h
of the ter ms in F.4. 1.
 INBREEDING
• Self-fertilization in plants

• Commonly used in domestic animals

such as sheep, cattle, and pigs to
strengthen desirable characteristics
 OUTBREEDING / INTERSPECIFIC
HYBRIDIZATION / F1 HYBRID VIGOUR
• Done between breeding lines within the species or even
between the species
• Within species; short-horned cattle and black angus
cattle were crossed to produce offspring with superior
beef and rapid growth
• Between species: horse crossed donkey to produce
mule which is stronger and more resistant to disease
• Between species: Macoun apple crossed with crab
apple which produced the liberty apple which is similar
in taste to the Macoun apple but more resistant to
disease.
 POLYPLOIDY
• Produces plants which are hardier,
bigger, and more productive

• Ex. Strawberries, daylilies, freesias,

F.4.3 Di scu ss th e ne ed to m ai ntai n
th e bi odi versity of wi ld pl an ts o r
an ci ent far m br eeds a r eserv oir of
al leles wh ich ma y hav e futur e
val ue.
• The growing human population relies on
three plants (rice, corn, wheat) for more
than half of its food

• Potato Famine in Ireland:

In 1800s Ireland relied on only a few
varieties of potatoes for almost all its
food. None were resistant to a fungus that
spread quickly and in the 1840s more than
2 million people died of starvation
• Research is being done into possibilities of using
wild plants to become new crop plants or to
improve resistance to insects and diseases.

• 1970s – rare species of wild corn plants was found

in Mexico which is highly resistant to diseases and
some animal pests. Luckily, it was discovered
before it was wiped out.

HOW MANY ARE NOT????

 F.4.4 Ex pl ai n, us ing whe at, mai ze
or ri ce as an exam pl e, ho w pl an t
br eedi ng pr ogram mes have led to
an i mpro vem ent i n th e y ield of a
cereal cr op.
 WHEAT
• Cereal grass of Graminae family
• Has been bred to produce hundreds of different
varieties to:
– Increase yield
– Improve range of climates in which the crop can be
grown
– Increase the ease with which the grain can be
separated from the less useful parts of the plant
 WHEAT
Three main species which are commonly
used:
• Triticum astivum – flour production for
breads, cakes, and biscuits
• Triticum durum – semolina and pasta
• Triticum compactum – for the production
of confectionery and biscuits
 Wheat: history of domestication
Triticum monocuccum X Aegilops speltoides
(2n eincorn wheat) (grass)

Triticum dicoccon (emmer)

• Tetraploid wheat
• Improved yield, threshing, and winnowing (separation of
the grain)
 rice
Miracle rice - short stalks (minimizes loss
by seed dropping) and disease resistant
F.4.5 Outl ine ho w ani mal br eedi ng
pr ogram mes have led to an
improv emen t in one of th e
fol lowi ng : milk yi el d i n c att le,
meat yi eld i n s heep or egg yi el d
in p oultry.
 Improvements have been achieved by
improved feed, health, and breeding for
increased milk production
 CHICKENS
• Originated in Asia
• Aggressive in nature which made them
suitable for exhibition fights
 CHICKENS
PRODUCTS OF CROSSBREED:

• White plymouth – meat source

• Leghorn – for egg production
• Cornish – poor layer but produces good
meat
 traditional methods
• To ensure that original breeds are still
farmed
• To retain the diverse gene pool for future
breeding
 INTENSIVE METHODS
• Produces greater yields of saleable meat

Intensive Methods:
• Selective breeding
• Improved feed
• Use of growth stimulators
• antibiotics