5.10- Breeding Plants

Understand that plants with desired characteristics can be developed by selective breeding


The number of rice grains is under the control of genes. The farmer wants to improve the no. of grains per plant and therefore increase the yield.

• The plants have 6, 8 and 10 grains per stem
• The farmer harvests the 6 and 8 stem grains
• The 10 grain stems are planted
• In the next generation:
• The plants have 8, 10 and 12 grains per stem
• The farmer harvests the 8 and 10 grain stems
• But selects the 12 grain stems for planting

The grain of rice plant gradually increases which means the yield has increased.