Germplasm and Seed Technology

Note 1: This course can not be combined in an individual programme with PPH31306 Seed Science and Technology because of overlap.
Note 2: This course is offered online and it takes about 20 hours to complete the weekly task. There are assignments with deadlines, group work and non-synchronous interaction with teachers and fellow students. An online exam is offered at the end of the course.
Note 3: This is an online course, but it can also be followed by on-campus students.
This course introduces students to a number of important aspects of plant breeding, such as the process of domestication, germplasm development and the importance of gene banks. Also, important practical aspects on bringing a cultivar to the market are discussed, such as breeders' rights and patents, and the design of seed and plant production programs. Seed physiology and seed quality aspects receive thorough attention, because in many cases the seed is the actual product that is sold by breeding companies.

• Explain the theory of domestication, the gene pool concept, and the process of germplasm development

• Explain the importance of gene banks for plant breeding and and apply principles of population genetics with respect to small sample sizes

• Discuss and apply the principles of breeders rights and patents

• Explain how seed production programs are designed

• Summarise seed quality aspects and explain how seed quality can be improved

• Assignment other (15%) Assignments on legislation (four group assignments) and a research paper (one individual assignment). Because the topics of these assignments are part of the exam material as well, and standard answers will be provided, these assignments cannot be re-done. The obtained grade (0 in case assignments are not done) remains valid.
• Assignment other (5%) Peer learning. The purpose of this assignment is peer learning during the course. A selection will be part of the exam material. After consultation with the teacher, failed assignments can be re-done within two weeks of the exam date, or before re-sit period A, either in the same or following year(s). In case of handing-in for the resit, the student needs to register for the resit. The same procedure is in place for assignments that are handed-in late. Despite the purpose of peer-learning is lost, assignments can still be accepted.
• Written test with open and closed questions (80%) The exam is an online remotely proctored exam, where the student should provide a suitable computer and room.

PBR37303 Principles of Plant Breeding (online students) or PBR23306 Plant Breeding (on-campus students)
General knowledge of the concept of using molecular markers in research and breeding.
The exam takes place using Remote Proctoring, which is different from digital examinations on-campus. Students unfamiliar with this system should carefully test it beforehand by following all directions given via the Student Support "screen steps" instructions (https://wur-studentsupport.screenstepslive.com/m/106158/c/365541).

• Book chapters made available through the WUR-libray: - Seeds, Physiology of Development, Germination and Dormancy (3rd ed.) J. Derek Bewley, Kent J. Bradford, Henk W.M. Hilhorst and Hiro Nonogaki, 2013. Springer, 392 pp.; - Principles of plant Genetics and Breeding, (2nd ed.) Acquaah, G, 2012. DVD, made available through the learning environment: The Seed Hunter. Articles made available through the WUR library.