does not involve gene modification. Furthermore, it broadens biodiversity. It uses the plant’s own genetic resources to mimic the process of spontaneous muta- tions — something that happens all the time in nature. Around the world, plant breeders such as Norman Borlaug put their newfound knowledge to use, devel- oping more productive, higher-yielding hybrids across a number of crop species including wheat and rice. The period from the 1940s to 1960s became known as the Green Revolution, when agricultural output significantly increased, saving billions of people from famine and starvation. Borlaug’s work with wheat in Mexico led the country from only sup- plying half its needs to being self-sufficient. When leaders in Pakistan and India adopted his work, output increased fourfold. Then there’s the discovery of the DNA structure by James Watson and Francis Crick, which helped explain how hereditary information is coded and rep- licated. This was one of the most significant discover- ies of the 20th century, and helped advance molecular biology to this day. Then scientists began to apply tissue and cell culture technologies to create genetic variability and increase the number of desirable germplasms avail- able to the plant breeder. In 1983, scientists developed the first plants using biotechnology to introduce a trait from nature to help them better survive their environment. Since then, this 1940s when Norman Borlaug kicked off the Green Revolution 9.7 billion people expected to inhabit the earth in 2050 1859 when Gregor Mendel published his theory of evolution JUNE 2017 SEEDWORLD.COM / 49 technology has been used in a number of crops but not without great controversy. This was followed by marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection. MAS is the indirect selection process where a trait of interest is selected based on a marker linked to a trait of interest. It essentially, minimizes the wait-and-see time, as the plants DNA is the same as when it’s a seed to when it’s mature and the fruit is ready for harvest. Genomic selection is a form of MAS in which genetic markers covering the whole genome are used, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. As the sciences and technology progresses, the range of tools available to plant breeders to develop more productive, higher-yielding varieties expands. Building on a Strong Foundation “Plant breeding is an ongoing practice,” says Andy LaVigne, American Seed Trade Association presi-