Question

define mass selection and pure line selection..

Answer 1

•Mass selection is the simplest , common and oldest method of crop improvement, in which large number of plants of similar phenotype are selected and their seeds are harvested and mixed together to constitute the new variety. This method is practised in both self and cross – pollinated crops and plants are selected on the basis of their phenotype of appearance. Therefore, selection is done for easily observable characteristics such as plant height, ear/type, grain colour, grain size, etc.

•Pure line selection is a method in which new variety is developed by selection of single best plant progeny among traditional varieties or land races.