a. The following are the important steps in plant breeding for developing a new plant variety. List them in the correct order:
i. Seed multiplication
ii. Release of a variety
iii. Distribution
iv. Evaluation
v. Creation of genetic variation
vi. Selection
b. In spite of the proper application of fertilizers, irrigation and pest and disease control the yield, quality and disease and pest resistance of a self pollinated crop variety is decreasing generation after generation. Suggest a possible reason for this experience.
Hint: The farmer is using seed collected from his own field for raising successive crops.

Explanation

a. i. Creation of genetic variation
ii. Selection
iii. Evaluation
iv. Release of variety
v. Seed multiplication
vi. Distribution
b. Inbreeding depression