BACKCROSS METHOD
AGR 404
A cross between a hybrid and one of its parents is known
as backcross. In backcross method of breeding, the
hybrid and the progenies in the subsequent generation
are repeatedly backcrossed to one of the parents of the
F1. As a result, the genotype of backcross progeny
becomes increasingly similar to that of the parent to
which the backcrosses are made.
Requirements of a backcross programme
1. A suitable recurrent parent- otherwise popular variety
lacking one/two characters.
2. A suitable donor parent- parent having the trait
lacking in the recurrent parent in high intensity.
3. High heritability of trait.
4. Sufficient number of backcross- to recover RPG
.Procedure of backcross method:
Transfer of a dominant gene
Assume two parents A and B.
A- High yielding and widely adapted wheat variety but
susceptibility to stem rust.
B- Wheat variety resistant to stem rust.
1. Hybridization: A is crossed to B.
2. F1 generation: F1 plants are backcrossed to variety A.
3. BC1: Resistant and Susceptible genotypes in BC1 would be
1:1. Rust resistant plants are selected and backcrossed to
variety A.
4. BC2-BC5: In each backcross generation resistant plants are
selected and backcrossed to the recurrent parent A.
5. BC6 generation: On an average, BC6 plants will have
99% genes from variety
A. Rust resistant plants are selected and selfed, their seeds
are harvested separately.
6. BC6F2: Individual plant progenies from the selfed seeds
are grown. Rust resistant plants similar to the plant type of
variety A are selected and their selfed seeds are harvested
separately.
7. BC6F3: Individual plant progenies are grown. Progenies
homozygous for rust resistance and similar to the plant
type of variety A are harvested in bulk.
8. Yield test- The new variety is tested in PYT along with
the variety A as check. Ordinarily, the new variety would
be identical to variety A, so, detailed yield tests are
generally not required.
Merits and Demerits of backcross method
Merits
1. The genotype of new variety is nearly identical with that of
the RP, except for the gene transferred.
Thus, outcome of backcross programme is known in advance.
2. It is not necessary to test the variety developed by
backcross method in extensive yield tests.
3. Much smaller population is needed in this method than in
pedigree.
4. Defects could be rectified without affecting its performance
and adaptability.
5. This is the only method for interspecific gene transfer and
for the transfer of cytoplasm.
Demerits
1. The new variety cannot be superior to the recurrent
parent except for the character transferred.
2. Undesirable genes closely linked with the gene being
transferred may also be transferred to the new variety
producing linkage drag.
3. Repeated hybridization is difficult and time taking.
4. By the time backcross programme improves it, the RP
may have been replaced by other varieties superior in the
yielding ability.