In Vitro Plant Breeding
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide knowledge of the principles, protocols and utilization of plant tissue culture systems, for plant in vitro propagation, for plant breeding programs, for cell transformation techniques and production of secondary metabolites.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will be able to:
- in vitro propagate plant species (from the onset of an aseptic culture to its growth);
- describe the in vitro culture techniques;
- use in vitro techniques in support or as alternative to the traditional techniques for plant breeding programs.
- in vitro propagate plant species (from the onset of an aseptic culture to its growth);
- describe the in vitro culture techniques;
- use in vitro techniques in support or as alternative to the traditional techniques for plant breeding programs.
Lesson period: First semester
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Lessons: Meristems. Micropropagation. Culture media. Setting up in vitro culture. Methods of in vitro propagation. Organogenesis (direct and indirect). Chimeras and intravarietal variability. Stability of in vitro cultures (somaclonal variability). Mutations induced by in vitro cultures (gene mutations, epimutations). Somatic embryos. Somatic embryogenesis (direct and indirect). Somatic embryogenesis and genetic variability. Somatic embryogenesis for mutant creation. Immature embryo culture (embryo rescue). Use of embryo rescue in traditional breeding programs. Basic principles of in vitro selection. In vitro selection of pathogen-resistant plants. Plant virus sanitation. Selection of plants resistant to abiotic stress. Androgenesis (direct and indirect). Gynogenesis (direct and indirect). Doubled haploids. Cell cultures. Establishment and management of cell cultures. Use of cell cultures in basic research. Use of cell cultures for secondary metabolite production and applications. Protoplasts. Protoplast selection. Protoplast fusion. Protoplast regeneration. Overview of genetic transformation techniques based on biological (bacteria, viruses, in planta) and chemical-physical methods (electrical discharges, chemical treatments, nanoparticles). Use of in vitro cultures in obtaining genetically modified plants and examples. Biodiversity conservation. Principles of biodiversity. In-situ and ex-situ biodiversity conservation. Germplasm collections. Cryopreservation. Synthetic seed. Use of biodiversity in traditional breeding programs and in new genetic modification technologies. Examples of major breeding programs implemented in Italy in horticultural and floricultural fields targeting phenotypic traits aimed at improving sustainability and productivity of plant productions.
Laboratory Activities: Preparation of culture media. Plant explant culture. Subculture of in vitro shoots.
Laboratory Activities: Preparation of culture media. Plant explant culture. Subculture of in vitro shoots.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the main organs of the plant (root, stem, leaf, flower) by the botanical poin of view.
Teaching methods
Lecture-style instruction, interactive learning (videos, questionnaires, case studies), active learning (laboratory). Educational Visit.
Teaching Resources
Book: Trigiano R. e Gray D.J. "Plant tissue culture concepts and laboratory exercises" (2000).
Slides used during the lessons. Scientific pubblications.
Slides used during the lessons. Scientific pubblications.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Group activity and oral examination at the end of the course.
Evaluation criteria: Knowledge of theoretical and practical contents. Autonomy in choosing the most appropriate methodological investigation for a given plant problem. Acquisition of specialist terminology related to the discipline. Adequate level of communication skills.
Evaluation criteria: Knowledge of theoretical and practical contents. Autonomy in choosing the most appropriate methodological investigation for a given plant problem. Acquisition of specialist terminology related to the discipline. Adequate level of communication skills.
AGR/03 - ARBORICULTURE AND FRUITCULTURE - University credits: 5
Single bench laboratory practical: 8 hours
Lessons: 36 hours
Lessons: 36 hours
Professor:
De Lorenzis Gabriella
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
De Lorenzis GabriellaProfessor(s)