Question

Merits of the Pedigree method of selection in crops include-
(A). It offers enough opportunity for natural selection to influence the population
(B). It takes less time than the Bulk method to develop a new variety
(C). Breeders get maximum opportunity to use their skills and judgment for the selection of desirable plants
(D). Transgressive segregants for yield and other quantitative traits may be recovered
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• C. (A), (C) and (D) only.
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Remember that Natural selection is the hallmark of the Bulk method.
Excluding statement (A) from the options leaves (B), (C), and (D) as the correct merits of the Pedigree method, corresponding to option (D).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The pedigree method is a plant breeding technique for self-pollinated crops where individual plant selections are made in segregating generations, and detailed records of ancestral relationships are maintained.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each of the stated merits of the pedigree method:
(A) is incorrect because natural selection plays a minimal role in the pedigree method.
The breeder performs active, artificial selection of individual plants in every generation, which reduces the influence of natural selection.
In contrast, natural selection is a key feature of the bulk breeding method.
(B) is a merit because selection and line evaluation begin early (in the \(F_2\) generation), allowing breeders to isolate and test homozygous lines sooner than in the bulk method, where selection is delayed until homozygosity is reached.
(C) is a major merit because breeders actively evaluate and select individual plants in segregating generations, maximizing the use of their skill and judgment to select desirable phenotypes.
(D) is a merit because pedigree tracking across generations allows breeders to identify and select transgressive segregants that perform better than either parent for quantitative traits.
Therefore, (B), (C), and (D) are correct merits of the pedigree method.

Step 3: Final Answer:
This matches option (D).