Agricultural Genetics and Herbaceous Crops
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The general objective of the course "Plant genetics and herbaceous crops" is to provide basic knowledge on the cropping systems in Italian agricultural areas, with a focus on the intensive livestock farming in the Po valley. Students will learn which aspects are needed to consider in the evaluation of the choice of new varieties and the grain and forage cropping systems on both cereal and livestock farms. Such aspects are crop type and potential productivity, sowing and harvest time, fertilization, irrigation, hay-cutting time, and forage conservation. Students will understand which elements are needed to consider when setting up cereal-based systems on a livestock farm, according to the livestock feeding requirement and the market prices of commodities. Furthermore the students will acquire technical and scientific knowledge for the variety choice and the management of agricultural genetic resources also on the basis of modern biotechnology useful to work in the cereal, forage-livestock, agro-food, agro-energy and seed sectors.
Expected learning outcomes
In this course the student 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). In addition the students will acquire technical and scientific knowledge to work in the cereal, forage-livestock, agro-food, agro-energy and seed sectors.In this course the student 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). In addition the students will acquire technical and scientific knowledge to work in the cereal, forage-livestock, agro-food, agro-energy and seed sectors.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Mod I: Fundamentals of Quantitative genetics and Population genetics. Chromosome and gene mutations. Plant propagation and genetic structure: allogamy, autogamy and vegetative propagation. Genetic constitution of the main cultures: natural populations, ecotypes, synthetic populations, clones, inbred lines, hybrids. Essential of genetics improvement in plant breeding: hereditability of the characters and selection, recurrent selection, inbred line extraction, backcrossing, hybrid varieties and chemical and physical mutagenesis. The green revolution and its genetic basis. Genetically Modified Plants (GM crops): resistance to pests and herbicides.
Mod II:For each of the crop, updated statistical data will be presented on their spread in Italy and in the world and their economic relevance. The botanical and ecophysiological traits will be presented, as well as the agronomic practices optimized to meet the market needs.
Mod II:For each of the crop, updated statistical data will be presented on their spread in Italy and in the world and their economic relevance. The botanical and ecophysiological traits will be presented, as well as the agronomic practices optimized to meet the market needs.
Prerequisites for admission
Mod I: It is advisable to have followed a basic genetics course
ModII: Knowledge of agronomy (type, time and effect of fertilization, tillage and irrigation) and soil chemistry (carbon and nitrogen processes taking place in the soil) is needed
ModII: Knowledge of agronomy (type, time and effect of fertilization, tillage and irrigation) and soil chemistry (carbon and nitrogen processes taking place in the soil) is needed
Teaching methods
Mod I: The course will be held by the teacher frontally in the classroom and in synchronous mode by the Teams platform with the use of support devices (slides, video materials, documents).
Mod II: Lessons are held with slides. Feedback from the audience is asked during the lesson. Link to relevant articles. References to recommended texts.
Practical exercises about crop scouting. Field trips at research centres about the selection of grain and forage crops.
Teacher website:
https://aperegoce.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/Home/
Microsoft Teams:
86077mw
Mod II: Lessons are held with slides. Feedback from the audience is asked during the lesson. Link to relevant articles. References to recommended texts.
Practical exercises about crop scouting. Field trips at research centres about the selection of grain and forage crops.
Teacher website:
https://aperegoce.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/Home/
Microsoft Teams:
86077mw
Teaching Resources
Mod I
1. Lecture notes.
2. G. Barcaccia e Mario Falcinelli " Genetica e genomica" Volume II Miglioramento Genetico. Liguori Editore
Texts and material that can be consulted
F. Lorenzetti, S. Lorenzetti e D. Rosellini, Uomini e Semi. Patron Editore Bologna
Mod II:Slides available on the Ariel website
Production of Field Crops: A Textbook of Agronomy. Agri Horti Press, 2019
1. Lecture notes.
2. G. Barcaccia e Mario Falcinelli " Genetica e genomica" Volume II Miglioramento Genetico. Liguori Editore
Texts and material that can be consulted
F. Lorenzetti, S. Lorenzetti e D. Rosellini, Uomini e Semi. Patron Editore Bologna
Mod II:Slides available on the Ariel website
Production of Field Crops: A Textbook of Agronomy. Agri Horti Press, 2019
Assessment methods and Criteria
ModI: The assessment of learning will take place through a written test with types of closed, structured and open questions. The evaluation criteria will concern the quality of theoretical knowledge possessed and the adequacy of references to sources;
- ability to apply and use the knowledge and methodologies proposed in relation to real contexts;
- ability to autonomously and personally re-elaborate learning.
Mod II: Exam:
The exam is written. It is made of 3 questions on the whole programme. The optimal length of an answer is a whole page written by hand. The exam lasts one hour and a half. The mark is assigned by averaging the marks of each answer.
The evaluation considers a) the use of adequate language; b) the correctness of the contents; c) the completeness of the answers. Missing contents reduce the mark.
An oral exam is not planned, but it is possible to arrange an appointment by email.
- ability to apply and use the knowledge and methodologies proposed in relation to real contexts;
- ability to autonomously and personally re-elaborate learning.
Mod II: Exam:
The exam is written. It is made of 3 questions on the whole programme. The optimal length of an answer is a whole page written by hand. The exam lasts one hour and a half. The mark is assigned by averaging the marks of each answer.
The evaluation considers a) the use of adequate language; b) the correctness of the contents; c) the completeness of the answers. Missing contents reduce the mark.
An oral exam is not planned, but it is possible to arrange an appointment by email.
AGR/02 - AGRONOMY AND FIELD CROPS
AGR/07 - AGRICULTURAL GENETICS
AGR/07 - AGRICULTURAL GENETICS
Field activity: 8 hours
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 68 hours
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 68 hours
Professors:
Perego Alessia, Pilu Salvatore Roberto
Professor(s)