Defining breeding goal(s), contd

A most important consideration is practicality: i.e., "what is realistically achievable?"

It's not sensible (for example) to aim to improve drought tolerance when you have no reliable way of phenotyping, and/or no known source of useful variation.

Here is a list of questions which a breeder should consider:

• What trait could be improved to make a better variety than the one I have?
• What is/are the major constraints which limit this trait?
• Is this a problem which can be realistically addressed?

Know what to throw away! You will have a more manageable program, and thus a higher chance of success, if you select a few rather than trying to advance too many plants.