It was once aptly pointed out that breeding is evolution directed by man. Varieties and cultivars are related to human cultural activity in the same way as works of architecture, music or literature. The production of a new variety satisfies the breeder and grower just as the fine arts bring intellectual satisfaction to artists and audience alike. Our most productive cereals, fruits and trees, or ornamentals which improve our environment, such as roses and rhododendrons, are examples of scientific creations. Plant breeders are recognized by the public and, like artists, enjoy legal protection of their intellectual work through international agreements.
Evolution occurs when natural selection works on genetic variation.
In the long process of plant breeding we are dealing in every respect with redirecting evolution, with replacing natural selection by human selection. Underlying the process is genetic change, but to accomplish this change breeders must master several disciplines and techniques. At the various stages of developing a new variety, the breeder has to use information and methods from all these levels. It is axiomatic that plant breeding and forest tree breeding are supported by botany. In both practical breeding and breeding research a good grounding in statistical methods and an ability to use information processing systems are needed.