Synopsis
Vegetable production in our country is primarily reliant on locally available genotypes or open-pollinated varieties, which have low yields and are susceptible to insect pests and diseases. This situation is largely due to the lack of knowledge and poor extension services among farmers. To address this issue, it is essential to cultivate vegetable hybrids that can increase productivity and quality. The development of hybrids from existing varieties not only boosts productivity but also helps to overcome various challenges faced by farmers. To achieve these goals, the authors have made an effort to provide information on the development of vegetable hybrids, including both theoretical and practical aspects, in the form of a book titled Heterosis Breeding in Vegetable Crops. This publication contains 17 chapters organized into two sections. The first section includes 10 chapters that cover the theoretical aspects of heterosis, such as the introduction to heterosis, the basis of heterosis, commercial exploitation of heterosis, reproduction, pollen, and pollen biotechnology, population improvement of parents/hybrids, genetic purity testing of hybrids, hybrid variety testing and release procedures in India, biotechnology, and vegetable improvement, intellectual property rights related issues in hybrid technology, and economics, import, and export. The second section consists of seven chapters that focus on practical aspects of hybrid seed production, such as solanaceous crops (tomato, brinjal, chilli, and bell pepper), malvaceous crops (okra), cole crops (cabbage and cauliflower), cucurbitaceous crops (bitter gourd, bottle gourd, cucumber, muskmelon, watermelon, pumpkin, ridged, and smooth gourd), root crops (carrot), bulb crops (onion), and hints for hybrid cultivation. All the chapters include references, illustrations, and tables, and the publication also contains the characteristics of national released hybrids with colored photographs. This book would be useful to teachers, scientists, students, extension workers, the vegetable industry, and farmers in our country.
About the Author
Nagendra Rai began professional career as Junior Scientist in May 1993 and went up the ladder through Senior Scientist (Horticulture) at ICAR, Research Complex for NEH Region, Meghalaya and Principal Scientist (Vegetable Science) at Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi. Taught several graduate/ post-graduate level courses in horticulture (Vegetable Crops) and guided research of many students which led to award of M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in various disciplines of Vegetable Science. Developed more than 25 varieties/ lines/ hybrids of vegetable crops like tomato, brinjal, cowpea, French bean, Indian bean and turmeric. Also generated production technologies in Vegetable Crops for various part of the country like Udham Singh Nagar of Uttrakhand, Raipur of Chhattisgarh and Umiam of Meghalaya. Fellows of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, International Society for Noni Sciences, Society for Horticultural Research and Development, Uttar Pradesh Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Indian Society of Vegetable Science. Recipient of Kirti Singh Lifetime Achievement Award, Harbhajan Singh Memorial Award, Research Paper Reviewer Award, Year of the Scientist Award, Distinguished Scientist Award, Young Scientist Associate Award and Crop Research Award. Publications 275 comprising research papers, books, book chapters, popular articles, technical bulletins/ manuals/ souvenirs and extension folders related to vegetable crops. Editor of Current Horticulture, Progressive Agriculture- An International Journal & Legume Research and Joint -Editor of Vegetable Science. Leadership in both fund mobilization and human resource development.
Mathura Rai: Director: Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (ICAR), Varanasi- 221 005,Uttar Pradesh India.
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