Development of Crop Ideotypes
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
Objective of the course is to provide students with knowledge of multidisciplinary approaches to design and breed new crop ideotypes to improve quantity, quality, efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production for different end-uses. Integrating genetics, genomics and modeling, the course is centered on ideotype breeding with special focus on cereals and other cultivated plants as case studies.
Knowledge of the principles of ideotype breeding. Understanding of genetic and molecular mechanisms controlling plant architecture and development and how their manipulation can be applied to crop breeding. Connecting understanding of plant gene function and genetic diversity to traits and field performance. Use of biophysical models to design ideotypes targeting current climate and future projections.
Knowledge of the principles of ideotype breeding. Understanding of genetic and molecular mechanisms controlling plant architecture and development and how their manipulation can be applied to crop breeding. Connecting understanding of plant gene function and genetic diversity to traits and field performance. Use of biophysical models to design ideotypes targeting current climate and future projections.
Expected learning outcomes
Undefined
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Exam
If allowed, the exam will take place in presence according to the procedures described in the section "Exam procedures". Alternatively, the exam will take place orally using the MS Teams platform.
Teaching methods
Lectures will be held remotely in synchronous mode using the MS Teams platform, according to the published timetable. Some lectures may be held in presence, according to University guidelines. All lectures will be recorded and made available through Ariel/dedicated Team on MS Teams. Practical training sessions will take place online and if possible in presence: the online sessions will be held through the MS Teams platform, while the sessions in presence will be held in field/greenhouse/laboratory according to timetable that will be provided via Ariel/MS Teams. In case meeting in presence is not possible, the practicals will be completely run online via MS Teams focusing on the use of R packages for statistical genetics analyses.
Up-to-date information on the course and instructions on how to join the MS Team are available on the Ariel site.
Teaching Materials
Additional teaching materials: video-recordings of lectures (lecture captures) will be available through the Ariel website (see below)/dedicated Team on the MS Teams platform: in order to join the Team students are invited to follow the instructions on the home page of the Ariel site.
If allowed, the exam will take place in presence according to the procedures described in the section "Exam procedures". Alternatively, the exam will take place orally using the MS Teams platform.
Teaching methods
Lectures will be held remotely in synchronous mode using the MS Teams platform, according to the published timetable. Some lectures may be held in presence, according to University guidelines. All lectures will be recorded and made available through Ariel/dedicated Team on MS Teams. Practical training sessions will take place online and if possible in presence: the online sessions will be held through the MS Teams platform, while the sessions in presence will be held in field/greenhouse/laboratory according to timetable that will be provided via Ariel/MS Teams. In case meeting in presence is not possible, the practicals will be completely run online via MS Teams focusing on the use of R packages for statistical genetics analyses.
Up-to-date information on the course and instructions on how to join the MS Team are available on the Ariel site.
Teaching Materials
Additional teaching materials: video-recordings of lectures (lecture captures) will be available through the Ariel website (see below)/dedicated Team on the MS Teams platform: in order to join the Team students are invited to follow the instructions on the home page of the Ariel site.
Course syllabus
Ideotype concept
General principles of plant growth and development.
Genetic control of plant height - Green Revolution genes.
Developmental plasticity and plant height - submergence tolerance in rice. Genetic control of plant architecture - shoot branching and tillering. Genetics of inflorescence architecture and grain yield.
Phenotyping and genetic mapping of morphological traits in barley. Biophysical models to analyze G × E × M interaction.
Defining ideotype profiles using biophysical models.
Climate change scenarios for mid-term ideotyping strategies.
General principles of plant growth and development.
Genetic control of plant height - Green Revolution genes.
Developmental plasticity and plant height - submergence tolerance in rice. Genetic control of plant architecture - shoot branching and tillering. Genetics of inflorescence architecture and grain yield.
Phenotyping and genetic mapping of morphological traits in barley. Biophysical models to analyze G × E × M interaction.
Defining ideotype profiles using biophysical models.
Climate change scenarios for mid-term ideotyping strategies.
Prerequisites for admission
Students are expected to have a good knowledge of: plant cell biology, morphology and reproduction; genetics, crop physiology and statistics. Basic knowledge of molecular biology and associated techniques including PCR, molecular markers is also desirable.
Teaching methods
The course is held entirely in English and consists of a series of lectures and is completed by practical sessions where students will get hands-on experience with collection of phenotypic data on a barley crossing population, analysis and interpretation of trait segregation and formulation of hereditary models, use of appropriate software packages for construction of a molecular linkage map and mapping of genetic loci underpinning both Mendelian and quantitative traits. A case study of co-segregation analysis between a gene-based marker and a morphological trait will also be included.
Teaching Resources
Lecture presentations, research and review articles available at Ariel site https://lrossinidci.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam involves (1) an in depth presentation of a specific topic previously defined with the lecturer, (2) an oral exam with questions on the rest of the course programme.
Regarding (1), interested students can collaborate on the organization of a workshop on a common central topic, in which each student will give a presentation on an original research article (journal club format) and answer questions from the audience including other students, teachers, PhD students and post-docs.
Regarding (1), interested students can collaborate on the organization of a workshop on a common central topic, in which each student will give a presentation on an original research article (journal club format) and answer questions from the audience including other students, teachers, PhD students and post-docs.
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment to be arranged in advance by e.mail.
Office c/o DiSAA (Agronomy), Via Celoria 2, Milan, or via MS Teams.