Question

What is Biofortification? Explain selective breeding with suitable example.

Answer 1

Biofortification : It is a method of breeding crops to increase their nutritional value.
Selective Breeding : In this method, plant breeders search seed or germplasm banks for existing varieties of crops which are naturally high in nutrients.

1. They then crossbreed these high-nutrient varieties with high - yielding varieties of crops, to provide a seed with high yields and increased nutritional value.
2. Crops must be bred with sufficient amount of nutrients to have a measurably positive impact on human health.
3. They must be developed with the involvement of nutrionists and should have extra nutrients, as storage, processing and cooking of the food affect their available nutrient levels.
4. This method is prevelent at present, as it is quicker, cheaper, and less contraversial than genetically engineering crops.
5. Breeding crops with higher levels of vitamins and minerals or higher protein and healthier fats is the most practical means to improve public health.
6. The objective of breeding for nutritional quality are improvement in protein content and quality, oil content and quality, vitamin content, micronutrient and mineral content.

For example :

1. Hybrid Maise with almost double the quantity of amino acids lysine and tryptophan has been developed.
2. Wheat variety, Atlas-66, with high protein content, has been used as a donor for improving cultivated wheat.