Introduction

Abstract

This chapter introduces plant breeding, which is intended to alter plants genetically in such a manner that they adapt more appropriately to the needs of human beings. It describes the objectives of plant breeding which are tightly interwoven with the general goals of agricultural plant production. It also recounts the first work on plant breeding and genetics that was conducted by an Augustinian monk named Gregor Johann Mendel in the mid-1890s. This chapter reviews how the unsuitability of patent protection and the lack of protection of plant breeding in many countries increased the demand for protection of plant varieties on an international basis. It mentions the preamble of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) Convention, which states that the protection of new varieties of plants is important for the development of agriculture and safeguarding the interests of breeders.