Kasvivalinta

Kasvivalinta is the Finnish term for plant selection, the process of choosing individual plants with desirable traits from a population in order to propagate them and develop new varieties or lines. It is a central activity in plant breeding and horticulture, used for crops that are grown from seeds as well as those that are vegetatively propagated. Selection aims to improve traits such as yield, growth habit, resistance to pests and diseases, quality characteristics, and tolerance to environmental stresses, as well as adaptation to local growing conditions.

The practice can combine several approaches. Phenotypic selection relies on observable traits measured in the field or controlled environments. Genotypic or marker-assisted selection uses DNA information to predict performance and can speed up improvement, especially for traits that are difficult to measure directly. Recurrent selection involves repeated cycles of selection and crossing to accumulate favorable alleles, while clonal selection focuses on identifying and propagating superior genotypes for crops that are propagated vegetatively.

Evaluation typically includes planned trials, often across multiple environments, to assess stability and overall performance. Breeders may use selection indices that combine several traits into a single score, balancing trade-offs between yield, quality, and resilience. The process is iterative and time-consuming, particularly for perennials and long-lived crops, and it culminates in the release of new varieties or lines for commercial use.

Important considerations include maintaining genetic diversity to avoid bottlenecks, managing genotype–environment interactions, and addressing regulatory and market requirements for variety release. Kasvivalinta aims to deliver improved plant material suited to farmers, industry, and consumers while advancing sustainable production.