Genetic improvement of grain amaranths: A review

Genetic improvement of grain amaranth requires great deal of research for analysis of plant structure, developing suitable plant type, formulation of rational plant breeding approach, restructuring of plant by polyploidy, hybridization to generate genetic variation and new combinations. Additional resources are needed to initiate and expand applied genetic improvement programs to meet the needs of the anticipated expansion in grain amaranth production. The future of amaranth is dependent on the careful recombinant selection of genotypes from the germplasm collections. The primary purpose of genetic improvement is to develop varieties that are of high yielding with superior quality in relation to past and ease of cultivation, and to satisfy and fulfill the needs of the people for food.