This book is a focused, exam-oriented companion to Plant Breeding. It maps every chapter—from historical foundations and genetic principles to heterosis, population improvement, stress breeding, variety release, and IPR—directly to the high-yield areas tested in national and state agriculture competitive exams. Content is trimmed to what matters most: crisp concept notes, step-wise methods, and exam-grade definitions supported by memory aids and quick-revision tables. Core numericals (heritability, genetic advance, breeder’s equation, Hardy–Weinberg) are explained with worked examples and shortcuts. Methods for self-, cross- and asexually-propagated crops are presented in compare-and-contrast formats, alongside hybridization techniques, selection schemes (mass, pure line, recurrent), and special topics (male sterility, SI, wide crosses, polyploidy, mutation breeding). Stress breeding sections integrate screening indices and trait targets. The final units on participatory breeding, variety release/notification, and PPV&FRA help bridge science with regulation—useful for viva and interview prep.

Why this book helps you score:

• ICAR-aligned coverage, organized exactly like the syllabus

• High-yield summaries, mnemonics, and “at-a-glance” tables

• Chapter-wise MCQs, PYQ-style items, assertion–reason & match-the-columns

• Solved numericals with formulas and quick tips

• Flowcharts for breeding methods and selection schemes

• Exam checklists for variety release, DUS testing, and IPR essentials

Ideal for: ICAR PG/PhD entrances, ASRB NET/ARS (Pre), SAU entrance tests, State PSC/seed sector recruitments, and university semester revisions.

Dr. Stuti Sharma, Assistant Professor at the College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, holds  M.Sc. (Ag.), ARS NET, and Ph.D. in Plant Breeding & Genetics. With eleven years of experience in research, teaching, and extension under AICRP on Soybean, she has significantly contributed as Co-Breeder of six Soybean Mega Varieties—JS 20-69, JS 20-98, JS 20-94, JS 20-116, JS 23-03 and JS 23-09 along with two Urd bean verities TJU 130 and TJU 339 . Currently, she serves as In-charge of DUS, PPV & FRA, AICRP on Rabi Pulses, and also as the Liaison Officer of the university. She has been recognized with a National-level silver medal in debate during her undergraduate studies and has received six national awards in research. Dr. Sharma possesses expertise in statistical and biometrical data analysis, traditional breeding for abiotic stress tolerance, yield trial management, breeding generation handling, and scientific writing. She has published 55 research papers, authored 4 books, and presented 40 abstracts at national and international conferences

Dr. Archana Rani is currently serving as a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. She holds both her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Genetics from Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, where she was awarded university fellowships for academic excellence throughout her postgraduate studies.

With nearly a decade of professional experience in agricultural research and academics, Dr. Rani has significantly contributed to several key research projects, including a Japan –funded JICA project on the Evaluation of promising soybean genotypes under excessive soil moisture conditions and the ICAR-funded CRP on Hybrid Technology in Wheat. Her teaching and research engagements have also extended to U.P. College (affiliated with LNM University, Darbhanga) and her alma mater in Pusa, Bihar.

A major milestone in her career is her association with the development of the wheat variety MP 3535. Her scholarly contributions are substantial, with over 30 research papers, 19 book chapters, and 27 extension articles published in reputed platforms. She is also the author of the academic book Agricultural Biotechnology – Concept and Practices, which reflects her expertise in the field. In recognition of her scientific contributions, Dr. Rani was honored with the Young Scientist Award at an international symposium held at Sido Kanhu Murmu University, Dumka, Jharkhand. Her active participation in 17 national and international seminars, symposia, and training programs further underscores her commitment to continuous learning and knowledge dissemination in the agricultural sciences.

1 Historical Development of Plant Breeding 
2 Concept, Nature and Role of Plant Breeding 
3 Major Achievements and Future Prospects of Plant Breeding
4 Genetics in Relation to Plant Breeding
5 Modes of Reproduction and Apomixes, Self- Incompatibility and Male-Sterility-Genetic Consequences
6 Cultivar Options , Plant Genetic Resources Its Utilization in Plant Breeding
7 Conservation Domestication, Acclimatization and Introduction of Plant Breeding
8 Centres of Origin/ Diversity, Components of Genetic Variation  
9 Heritability and Genetic Advance. of Plant Breeding
10 Pre-Breeding and Universal Plant Breeder’s Equation
11 Genetic Basis and Breeding Methods in Self-Pollinated Crops- Mass and Pure Line Selection
12 Hybridization Techniques and Handling of Segregating Population of Plant Breeding
13 Multiline Concept, Concepts of Population Genetics and Hardy-Weinberg Law
14 Genetic Basis and Methods of Breeding Cross-Pollinated Crops, Modes of Selection
15 Population Movement Schemes-Ear to Row Method, Modified Ear to Row, Recurrent Selection Schemes. Of Plant Breeding
16 Heterosis And Inbreeding Depression, Development of Inbred Lines and Hybrids, Composite and Synthetic Varieties
17 Breeding Methods in Asexually Propagated Crops, Clonal Selection and Hybridization
18 Wide Hybridization and Pre-Breeding. Polyploidy in Relation to Plant Breeding, Mutation Breeding- Methods and Uses
19 Breeding for Important Biotic and Abiotic Stresses
20 Participatory Plant Breeding. Variety Release and Notification
21 Intellectual Property Rights, Patenting, Plant Breeders and Farmer’s Right