This chapter focuses on the breeding methods, inbreeding depression, epistasis and heterosis in root and tuber crops and bananas (RTBs). The importance of assessing epistasis in diallel crosses in RTB crops are also discussed.

Field testing - trialling - of oil palm is subject to many factors, chief among them being the basic biological features of the crop (it is a long-lived perennial) and the traits to be assessed (mainly yield, thus mature palms need to be produced). Trialling is the next step after breeders have...

The aim of oil palm trialling is to evaluate field performance among a range of genotypes and to select those of interest. A basic necessity is the provision of good quality planting material, usually produced from deliberate cross-pollinations. Details of methods in pre-trialling activities, i.e....

A brief introduction to selection is given. This is based on a natural process, but breeders aim to accelerate it by screening selected palms within and between genotypes or progenies under field conditions. Breeding is only effective if the trait of interest is controlled genetically (traits that...

This chapter focuses on the various objectives and selection criteria used in cassava breeding. Information on the other aspects of cassava breeding, such as sexual reproduction and sterility, crossing techniques and true seed production, selection methods and programmes, heritability of major...

This chapter focuses on the various objectives and selection criteria that need to be addressed for the success of sweet potato breeding. Information on the sexual reproduction, incompatibility and sterility, crossing techniques and true seed production, selection methods and programmes,...

This chapter discussed the effects of applying the different principles in animal breeding such genetic analysis, predicting breeding values, use of tools and breeding technology, selection response within breeds, and strategies for genetic improvements in dairy cattle.

This chapter highlights the application of genetic principles such as strategies for genetic improvements, selection response within breeds, tools and technologies in animal breeding, genetic analysis, and predicting values in beef cattle.

This chapter highlights the application of genetic principles in sheep and goat breeding such as chromosome analysis, prediction of breeding values, and the use of the latest tools and technology in animal breeding.

This chapter focuses on analysing factors that affect the predictive ability of genomic prediction (GS) in rice, and an overview of the proof-of-concept studies conducted during the past 5 years with the aim of providing rice breeders with tailored GS methods and tools. These studies involved two...