Tools for Genetic Purity Testing of Horticultural Crops?A Review

The primary objective of plant breeding is to develop superior varieties. Varietal purity is one of the main quality requirements of the seed offered for sale as well as for commercial multiplication. Hence seed identity and varietal genetic purity testing is essential component of modern and effective agricultural production system. Several laboratory and field methods are used to determine the cultivar trueness and genetic purity of the seed offering genuine quality seed to the farmers for commercial cultivation. Farmers cannot distinguish the real hybrid seeds from false ones neither the poor quality ones. Hence judicious, sensible application of chemical and molecular tools for rapid genetic purity testing is of much concern for quality seeds to meet our country’s food security.