New Plant Breeding Book Out

[keen101 (Biolumo / Andrew B.)]

Just thought i'd post a quick mention of a new plant breeding book that is now out. It's called "Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener: How to Create Unique Vegetables and Flowers"

I just got a complimentary copy in the mail from the author, since i was quoted briefly in it. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but just flipping through it looks like there is enough to peak some of my interest. I know it's a book that will interest people like Joseph and Holly, among others. It seems to talk about a lot of different breeding techniques, including landrace breeding, but i think he does try his best to avoid using big fancy words or technical vocabulary as much as possible. Anyway, i think many on here would find it an interesting book.

www.amazon.com/Plant-Breeding-Home-Gardener-Vegetables/dp/1604693649

www.hortmag.com/gardening-book-reviews/book-review-plant-breeding-for-the-home-gardener

www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-60469-364-5

[rowan]

Thanks, I just bought it to add to my collection.

[oxbowfarm]

How does it compare to "Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties" by Carol Deppe?

[bertiefox]

I'm another owner of Carol Deppe's book. It's hard to think of anything that could improve on her work which is inspiring and excellent, so I too would be interested to know how this new book stands up, especially in terms of practical advice on pollination techniques etc., something where Deppe's book is a little lacking in detail.

[keen101 (Biolumo / Andrew B.)]

We'll, i haven't had a chance to sit down and give the book a thorough reading, so only some skimming at this point. It seems comparable to Carol Deppe's Breeding book. I've only read her first edition copy, so i dont know how she improved upon the second edition.

Most sections seem to contain good information which i find comparable to Carol Deppe's information and experiments. However it does appear that in some sections there is more detailed information than Carol Deppe provided in her book. I liked Carol Deppe's book, but there were certain sections i wish were covered more thoroughly.

This book so far seems to be a good compliment and would make a good companion book. If you liked carol deppe's book, then i think there is a good chance you will like this one.

If i had to describe the differences as i currently see them it would be this:

Carol Deppe's work was the foundation and is the "standard" by which people will be looking to for some time. Her book provided enough info to get someone started and excited to dive into plant breeding. She presents a few of her pet projects and provides a nice overview of all major vegetables.

Joseph Tychonievich's book is similar but seems to go into slightly more detail. In some ways appearing to take off where Carol's book left things. Joseph has his own point of view and presents things in an interesting experimental way. He mentions things one could try, and provides plenty of examples that he has tried himself. His book presents things more from a practical point of view.

That's the best comparison i can do at this point without having had the chance to read it thoroughly. Plus it's been a while since i read carols book. You might find it interesting though to hear that this plant breeding forum is the first mentioned at the back of his book under the "useful websites" section.