Conventional and Contemporary Practices of Plant Breeding

Patrick Olweny Ayiecho, MGH (born 1953), also known as Patrick Ayiecho Olweny, is a graduate of University of Nairobi (B.Sc. Agric. and M.Sc. Plant Breeding) and University of California (Ph.D. Genetics). He is currently a professor of genetics and plant breeding in Maseno University and also served in a similar capacity at the University of Nairobi for several years. In addition to teaching genetics and plant breeding in the two universities, he has undertaken plant breeding research in a number crops like barley, grain amaranths, field beans, sesame and sorghum, focusing on crop improvement for resistance to abiotic and biotic stress factors, especially drought resistance and sorghum resistance to Striga. He has successfully guided over 40 M.Sc. and Ph.D. students to accomplish their graduate studies in both universities. Julius Omondi Nyabundi, OGW (born 1954), is a graduate of University of Nairobi (B.Sc. Agric. and M.Sc. Agronomy) and University of California (Ph.D. Ecology). He is currently a professor of horticulture in Maseno University served as a senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi for several years. In addition to teaching agronomy, crop ecology and physiology in the two universities, he has undertaken agronomy, crop physiology and plant water relations research for a number crops like sorghum, finger millet, tomatoes, field beans, sesame and sorghum performance under Striga infestation. He has successfully guided over 30 M.Sc. and Ph.D. students to accomplish graduate studies in both universities. He is currently serving as the vice chancellor of Maseno University and previously held various management and administrative positions in a number of institutions in Kenya.

Introduction and Objectives of Plant Breeding.- Origin of Agriculture.- Germplasm Resources: Exploration and Conservation.- Crop Plant Reproductive Systems.-             Population GENETIC VARIATION.- Quantitative Genetic Variation and Selection.- INTRODUCTION OF CROP CULTIVARS.- CROP POPULATION IMPROVEMENT THROUGH RECURRENT SELECTION.- DEVELOPMENT OF PURE LINE VARIETIES.- HYBRID VARIETIES.