Plant breeding and genetics is a science based on genetics and cytogenetics to improve the yield, quality and performance of different existing crops as well as create new varieties to meet market requirements and consumer demands. It uses principles from a variety of sciences to improve the genetic potential of plants. The process involves combining parental plants to obtain the next generation with the best characteristics. Breeders improve plants by selecting those with the greatest potential based on performance data, pedigree, and more sophisticated genetic information. Plants are improved for food, feed, fiber, fuel, shelter, landscaping, eco-systems services and a variety of other human activities.