PBR-22303 Principles of Plant Breeding

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

English

Continuation courses:

PBR-30306 Breeding for Quality and Resistance and PBR-30806 Design of Plant Breeding Programmes.

Contents:

This course introduces students to key principles of plant breeding. Various reproduction modes and selection methods are discussed, including the production of hybrid cultivars. For an effective selection programme one should distinguish genotype from phenotype, since only the genotypic differences are relevant to genetically improve the crop.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain basic concepts and principles in plant breeding;
- understand the advantages and limitations of plant breeding selection programmes, including the production of hybrid cultivars;
- choose the appropriate selection method to breed for (certain combinations of) traits;
- apply breeding methods taking into account the reproduction mode of the crop of interest;
- analyse observations to separate genetic and non-genetic components of variation.

Activities:

The course consists of a limited number of focused lectures, supervised study and tutorial, practical's and individual self-study.
A digital interactive textbook is available for self-study. It consists of a number of self-study e-learning modules that explain and illustrate the principles, and give numerous exercises to the student to test his understanding.

Examination:

- written test with open questions (80% of the final mark);
- practicum reports (20%).

Literature:

All information will be made available through Blackboard, so an extra study book is not necessary.
For background information we recommend the book: Acquaah (2012). Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding. 2nd ed. ISBN 9780470664759.