Plant Breeding

A.Y. 2018/2019
6
Max ECTS
56
Overall hours
SSD
AGR/07
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
Plant breeding has deeply modified  the agriculture all over the world  permitting a dramatic  increase in crop production through the utilization of modern biotechnological  techniques. For this reason the deep study of this  discipline is  fundamental for a full comprehension  of the modern agriculture.
Expected learning outcomes
In this course the students  will  acquire the knowledge regarding the fundamental  techniques used in plant breeding, from classical plant breeding (e.g.  recurrent selection,  inbred line extraction,   backcrossing,  hybrid varieties and mutagenesis )    to modern molecular tools (e. g. marker assisted selection,  genetic modified crops).
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

Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Essentials of Genetics: Quantitative genetics and Population genetics. Chromosome and gene mutations. Plant propagations: allogamy, autogamy and vegetative propagation. Genetic constitution of the main crops: natural populations, ecotypes, synthetic populations, clones, inbreed lines, hybrids. Essential of genetics improvement in plant breeding: recurrent selection, inbred line extraction, backcrossing, hybrid varieties and mutagenesis. The "green revolution" and its genetic basis. New tools: marker assisted selection (MAS) and genetically modified plants (GM crops): resistance to pests and herbicides and other examples.
Teaching methods
slides of course and the book:Genetica e genomica, Volume II Miglioramento genetico. liguore editore. barcaccia/falcinelli
AGR/07 - AGRICULTURAL GENETICS - University credits: 6
Practicals: 8 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor(s)