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 focuses on the origin, geographical distribution, morphological, physiological and phenological characteristics, cultivation history, breeding, vegetative propagation methods and molecular genetics and genomics of various Annona species, such as atemoya (A. cherimola × A. squamosa),...

This chapter presents the classification of cats based on their lineage, common name and species of cats. A brief history on African wild cats (most likely the ancestors of the domestic cat) was discussed as well as domestication of cats which probably began around 10 000 years ago in a region of...

This chapter focuses on the susceptibilty of blackberries and their hybrids to a number of diseases caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses and insect pests. The importance of the control or elimination of these pathogens in the development and management of a commercial block of blackberries and in...

This chapter presents information on the production of blackberries and their hybrids in Europe, North America, Central America, South America, Asia, Oceania and Africa. Some highly valued cultivars used in blackberry cultivation are also presented.