Grid method of mass selection is due to:

✅Explanation:
-The grid method of mass selection, also known as stratified mass selection, was introduced by Franklin Howard Gardner in 1961. This method addresses a limitation of the traditional mass selection method, where environmental variation within a field can influence selection decisions.

• Traditional mass selection:
-Selects superior plants based on individual merit across the entire field.
-Environmental factors like soil fertility, light availability, and water distribution can vary within a field, potentially leading to the selection of plants that perform well due to their environment rather than their inherent genetic potential.

• Grid method:
-Divides the field into smaller, more uniform subplots (grids).
-Selects superior plants within each subplot, ensuring a wider representation of environmental conditions.
-Combines seeds from selected plants across all subplots for the next generation.

• Benefits of the grid method:
-Reduces the influence of environmental variation on selection decisions.
-Ensures a more representative sample of genetic diversity within the population.
-Can be particularly beneficial for cross-pollinated crops like maize, where environmental factors can significantly impact individual plant performance.

📌📌 Other options Explanation:
-Hayes: H.H. Hayes was a prominent plant breeder in the early 20th century
-Hopkins: A.W. Hopkins developed the ear-to-row selection method, another mass selection technique
-Briggs: F.N. Briggs made contributions to various plant breeding areas

• Related terms:
-Heritability: The proportion of phenotypic variation due to genetic variation.
-Genetic diversity: The variety of genetic information within a population.