Woody Plant Biotechnology
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course will provide the knowledge about the application of molecular genetics techniques to identify target genes 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
After passing the exam, the student:
- will have acquired knowledge of biotechnological techniques for identifying target genes;
- will be able to set up an experiment for woody species;
- will be able to choose the most suitable biotechnological applications for the identification of key genes to improve the characteristics of woody plants;
- will have acquired a correct and adequate scientific vocabulary.
- will have acquired knowledge of biotechnological techniques for identifying target genes;
- will be able to set up an experiment for woody species;
- will be able to choose the most suitable biotechnological applications for the identification of key genes to improve the characteristics of woody plants;
- will have acquired a correct and adequate scientific vocabulary.
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
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 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 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
Knowledge on botany woody plants and molecular biology.
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
Oral examination at the end of course. Writing of a research project on a topic chosen by the student.
Evaluation criteria: Knowledge of theoretical and practical contents. Autonomy in choosing the most appropriate methodological investigation for a given plant problem. Acquisition of specialist terminology related to the discipline. Adequate level of communication skills.
Evaluation criteria: Knowledge of theoretical and practical contents. Autonomy in choosing the most appropriate methodological investigation for a given plant problem. Acquisition of specialist terminology related to the discipline. Adequate level of communication skills.
AGR/03 - ARBORICULTURE AND FRUITCULTURE - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
De Lorenzis Gabriella
Professor(s)