A layman's look at the basics behind variety development

Photo by Mitch McGrath
Left: Beet seedlings in ‘conetainers’ await vernalization for rapid-cycle seed production.
Mitch McGrath is research geneticist with the USDA-ARS Sugarbeet & Bean Research Unit, Michigan State University, East Lansing. This article is based on one appearing in the 2009 Research Trial Results booklet published by Michigan Sugarbeet REACH (Research & Education Advisory Council).