What is crop breeding?

Crop breeding, also known as plant breeding, is a systematic and controlled process of altering the genetic makeup of plants to develop new varieties or cultivars with desired traits and characteristics. These traits can include improved yield, resistance to pests and diseases, tolerance to environmental stresses (such as drought or extreme temperatures), better taste or nutritional content, and other qualities that are valuable to agriculture, horticulture, or other purposes. Crop breeding plays a crucial role in agriculture and the production of food, fiber, and other plant-based products.