Tips for going from beginner to advanced plant breeding?

[oakbloom]

Are there any books you all (pro and self taught alike) would recommend for a newbie who wants to get into advanced plant breeding?


I have been a gardener for years - I am finally realizing I want to learn how to cross my own plants to make my own varieties - including interspecies hybrids.
I admittedly haven't crossed anything before. I want to get a fair good comprehension before I start (though I know 'failure' is a part of the learning process). I have no background in genetics past high-school biology classes haha but I've slowly been picking up informations and other tips here and there.

I have so many questions about so many things: chromosomes & compatibility, fertility, pollen saving, "stabilizing" etc. I don't even know where to start!

For example: how do you find chromosome counts for plant species? Do y'all rely on scientific papers or is there a hub?
currently I use: legacy.tropicos.org/Project/IPCN but it focuses mostly on tropical plants and its missing a lot of info so other times I turn to skimming scientific papers.

I understand the very basics of things like incompatibility but sometimes it seems almost random.

[philagardener]

Welcome to the forum!

Here's a book by Carol Deppe that many folks used to get their start:
www.chelseagreen.com/product/breed-your-own-vegetable-varieties/

Chelsea Green is an interesting publishing house - when you visit their web site they will offer you an additional 25% off your first order if you sign up for their mailing list, and Carol's book is already on sale so that makes it real bargain!

[nkline]

There is a lot of plant specific knowledge (for specific crosses) that can be gained from online searches. A lot of sinking of pollination will have to happen and there are multiple ways to accomplish that. Don’t be afraid to fail, a lot of it is kind of an art and surprises are just part of the fun.

[xdrix]

nptel.ac.in/courses/102/103/102103016/