Impact of Traditional vs Precision Breeding on Crop Yields and Genetic Diversity

Have you ever wondered why some crops are able to produce higher yields than others? Some might believe that traditional breeding is the way to go, while others argue that precision breeding is the future. In this blog post, we will compare the impacts of traditional vs precision breeding on crop yields and genetic diversity.

Traditional Breeding

Traditional breeding methods involve crossing two different varieties of a plant to create a new variety with desirable traits. The new plant is then assessed through several generations to ensure that the desirable traits are maintained. One downside of traditional breeding is that it can take years or even decades to develop a new variety.

According to a study published in 2015 by the Food and Agriculture Organization, traditional breeding can increase crop yields by 15-20%. However, it has been observed that the use of traditional breeding methods can decrease genetic diversity because only a limited number of plants are bred.

Precision Breeding

Precision breeding, on the other hand, is a relatively new technique that enables scientists to edit specific genes in a plant’s DNA. The advantage of precision breeding is that it allows scientists to create new plants with desirable traits in a shorter period of time than traditional breeding.

According to a research study conducted by the University of California, precision breeding has shown a 10-20% increase in crop yields in certain crops, such as wheat and rice. Additionally, precision breeding has enabled scientists to create plants that are resistant to diseases and pests, reducing the need for harmful pesticides and herbicides.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both traditional and precision breeding have their own advantages and disadvantages. Traditional breeding methods can increase crop yields and maintain genetic diversity, but it can take several years to develop a new variety. Precision breeding can produce new plants with desirable traits quickly, leading to higher crop yields and reduced pesticide use. However, precision breeding can also decrease genetic diversity if only a small number of plants are bred.

It's important to note that traditional and precision breeding are not mutually exclusive, but rather can be used in combination to produce better crop varieties. The decision between traditional and precision breeding ultimately depends on the specific crop and desired outcomes.

Thanks for reading and keep shining like a sunflower!

References

1. FAO (2015). Biotechnologies for Agricultural Development. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4697e.pdf
2. Lin, P., et al. (2018). Precision Crop Breeding Using CRISPR. Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, (66)35, 9075-9082. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b03745