History of Plant Breeding

/Home/Garden Basics/Horticulture/Plant Breeding

What is Plant Breeding?

For several thousand years, farmers have been altering the genetic makeup of the crops they grow. Human selection for features such as faster growth, larger seeds or sweeter fruits has dramatically changed domesticated plant species compared to their wild relatives. Remarkably, many of our modern crops were developed by people who lacked an understanding of the scientific basis of plant breeding.

© Copyright Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University, 1999-2004. All Rights Reserved.