We are guests of green plants on this planet. Plants are a source of food, fiber, and materials for shelter. Ornamental plants contribute to our esthetic environment. Numerous plants are sources of pharmaceuticals. Our civilization developed progressively after the domestication of plants about 10 000 years ago. Since then plants were constantly improved through conscious and unconscious selection by ancient farmers for more than 9000 years. During the last century, crop improvement became a scientific endeavor after the rediscovery of Mendel s laws of inheritance. The science of genetics provided many additions to plant breeder s tool kit and major advances in food production were made. Green Revolution is a.
