Question

In plant breeding programs, the entire collection (of plants/seeds) having all the diverse alleles for all genes in a given crop is called 

(1) selection of superior recombinants. 

(2) cross-hybridization among the selected parents. 

(3) evaluation and selection of parents. 

(4) germplasm collection. 

Answer 1

Germplasm is the sum total of all the alleles of the genes present in a crop and its related species. The entire collection having all the diverse alleles for all genes in a given crop is called germplasm collection. A good germplasm collection is essential for a successful breeding program. 

Hence, the correct option is (3).