Phylogenetics is the study of the evolutionary relationships among organisms. It is important for plant biologists because it can help them understand the genetic relationships among different plant species and their evolutionary history. This information can be used to develop new plant varieties that possess desirable traits, such as improved yield, disease resistance, or tolerance to environmental stresses.
Plant biologists often use wild relatives of cultivated plants in their breeding programs to introduce new genetic diversity. By understanding the phylogenetic relationships among different plant species, they can identify the wild relatives that are most closely related to the cultivated species of interest. This can help them to more effectively transfer desirable traits from wild relatives into cultivated varieties. Additionally, phylogenetic information can be used to predict the traits of experimental or extinct plant species. This information can be useful for identifying potential genetic resources for plant breeding and for understanding the historical distribution and evolution of plant species. Overall, phylogenetics is an important tool for plant breeders because it provides insights into the genetic relationships among different plant species, which can be used to develop new plant varieties with desirable traits and to better understand the evolutionary history of plants.
Dr. Md. Monirul Islam
Senior Scientist
ASRBC, ACI Seed
