Plant Breeding
A.Y. 2019/2020
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).
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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
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. Next Generation Sequencing and Genome editing.
Prerequisites for admission
Strongly recommended having attended a basic genetics course
Teaching methods
The Course uses e-learning teaching tools present in the Ariel 2.0 platform (Power Point slides). The Teacher will use: a) frontal lessons and laboratory practices. All the activities will contribute to gaining the Expected Learning Outcomes. Attending the lectures is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Notes and course slides. Reference books: "Breeding Field Crops" Authors, John Milton Poehlman and David Allen Sleper. "More food: road to survival" Bentham Books. Editors: Roberto Pilu e Giuseppe Gavazzi
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written test
AGR/07 - AGRICULTURAL GENETICS - University credits: 6
Practicals: 8 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Pilu Salvatore Roberto
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Pilu Salvatore RobertoProfessor(s)