Molecular Analysis of Agronomic Traits in Woody Plants
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The course will provide the knowledge about the application of molecular genetics techniques to identify genes of interest in the all the sectors of woody plants (fruit trees, ornamental trees, forest trees and bioenergy dedicated trees), for enhancing plant characteristics and fitness. Particular attention will be paid to the identification of genes involved in the response of woody plants to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will be able to set up an experimental trial and to apply the molecular genetics techniques to identify key genes to enhance characteristics and fitness of wood plants.
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
The emergency teaching will be provided only on-line, synchronously lessons, through the Microsoft Teams platform. No changes in program and reference material will be applied. Examination will be oral, on-line, through the Microsoft Teams platform.
Course syllabus
Introduction on woody plants: basic concepts on trees.
Pre-breeding on woody plants: identification of genetic resources, characterization of the germplasm, elements of population genetics.
Molecular methods to identify pathways and genes of interest
Molecular methods to use to exploit genes and gene variants.
Molecular methods applied to tree crops: Case studies for: i) identification of genes involved in the resistance to downy and powdery mildew in grapevine; ii) identification of genes involved in the response to abiotic stress in grapevine; iii) identification of genes involved in the response to abiotic and biotic stress, and responsible of fruit quality in apple (texture, etc.); iv) identification of genes responsible of fruit qualitative characteristics in Citrus spp.; v) others.
Molecular methods applied to ornamental and forest tree species. Case studies for: i) identification of genes responsible of trunk performance and wood quality; ii) others.
Molecular methods applied to bioenergy dedicated trees. Case studies for: i) identification of genes responsible of lignin content in poplar; ii) others.
Laboratory and computational activities.
Pre-breeding on woody plants: identification of genetic resources, characterization of the germplasm, elements of population genetics.
Molecular methods to identify pathways and genes of interest
Molecular methods to use to exploit genes and gene variants.
Molecular methods applied to tree crops: Case studies for: i) identification of genes involved in the resistance to downy and powdery mildew in grapevine; ii) identification of genes involved in the response to abiotic stress in grapevine; iii) identification of genes involved in the response to abiotic and biotic stress, and responsible of fruit quality in apple (texture, etc.); iv) identification of genes responsible of fruit qualitative characteristics in Citrus spp.; v) others.
Molecular methods applied to ornamental and forest tree species. Case studies for: i) identification of genes responsible of trunk performance and wood quality; ii) others.
Molecular methods applied to bioenergy dedicated trees. Case studies for: i) identification of genes responsible of lignin content in poplar; ii) others.
Laboratory and computational activities.
Prerequisites for admission
Genetics and molecular biology techniques
Teaching methods
Teaching methods will promote both teacher- and student-based strategies. The main teaching methods used will be lectures, worked examples, flipped classroom, case-based learning, project-based learning, laboratory exercises. A couple of academic and/or business experts will be invited.
Teaching Resources
Slides, scientific publications.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Student assessment is based on oral examination. The students have to demonstrate to know which molecular methods have to be applied to identify key genes in the production of woody plants and how to plan an experimental trail to identify them.
AGR/03 - ARBORICULTURE AND FRUITCULTURE - University credits: 5
Laboratories: 16 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
De Lorenzis Gabriella
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment
via Celoria, 2 - Edificio 10