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Glossary
Sections:
Introduction
Principles of inheritance
Genotypic variation
Other forms of heritable variation
Quantitative variation and heritability
Quantitative variation
Quantitative variation, contd.
Additive genes
Dominant gene action
Epistasis
Heritability
Genotype x environment (GxE) interaction
Heterosis
Inbreeding depression
Novel sources of genetic variation
The practice of plant breeding
Breeding methods
Plant Breeders' rights
New technologies for plant breeding
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Additive genes

Additive genes are those which each contribute independently to a given trait.

These are the easiest for the breeder to handle.

For example suppose yield was determined by six genes, each of which had an equal effect on yield. If a cross is made between two varieties each with four "good" genes, then it should be possible to select plants with higher (or lower yield).