YPS-20803 Plant Breeding: Basic Concepts and their Applications

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

This course is introductory to plant breeding in its broadest sense. Attention will be paid to the technical as well as the societal aspects. Through lectures and computer modules the students will get familiar with the field of plant breeding. The various subjects will be illustrated with examples from current plant breeding practice.
The setup of this course reflects the different stages in plant breeding programs. Plant breeders first decide on the priorities of the characters that should be incorporated into their cultivars to be developed: the breeding objectives. Next, they are concerned in where to find genetic diversity for those characters. In order to introduce desirable features into the germplasm, breeders rely on tools and approaches that are called selection methods, to select the progeny-plants that represent superior genotypes. Besides technical aspects, societal aspects of plant breeding will be covered, such as public acceptance of biotechnology, and breeder's rights and patents, the latter determining the rewards for breeders' investments.

Learning outcomes:

After having completed this course the student is expected to:
- understand and be able to describe the general procedures of plant breeding programs;
- be able to choose the appropriate breeding strategy depending on the mode of reproduction of the crop species (autogamy, allogamy and vegetative propagation);
- be able to explain the specific breeding requirements for hybrid varieties;
- know how to maintain and multiply starting material and varieties;
- be familiar with the respective roles of producer, trade, consumer and government in setting breeding goals (chain approach);
- be able to defend or criticize certain breeding techniques for their societal implications.

Activities:

In consultation with the studycoordinator, students enrolling the MSc program Plant Sciences will assess their BSc curriculum for specific deficits in the assumed knowledge for the MSc Plant Sciences. Based on the outcome of the assessment the studycoordinator will advise students to follow a specific selection of learning modules offered in this course. The modules consist of so-called distance learning modules supported by information technology that require an internet connection to the University's servers. The interactive modules contain coherent introductionary packages on principles and concepts of a specific field in plant breeding. Within the modules the students are offered at least two explanations of each concept and principle, illustrated with figures and animations. An illustrated glossary of terms frequently associated with plant breeding is also included in the course.

Examination:

Written exam with multiple choice questions.

Literature:

Acquaah (2007) Principles of plant genetics and breeding, 1st ed. ISBN 1405136464.