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Plant Breeding

PBR22303

About this course

Note: This course cannot be combined in an individual programme with PBR22803 Principles of Plant Breeding (online), since it largely covers the same topics.
This course introduces students to key principles of plant breeding. Plant breeding is the science-driven creative process of changing the traits of plants in order to develop new plant varieties. Several essential approaches and tools used in the process are discussed: different modes of reproduction, selection methods, the production of hybrid cultivars and some aspects of seed production. For an effective selection programme one should distinguish genotype from phenotype, since only the genotypic differences are relevant to genetically improve the crop.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

  • explain basic concepts and principles in plant breeding;
  • summarize the advantages and limitations of plant breeding selection programmes;
  • choose the appropriate selection method to breed for (certain combinations of) traits in a particular crop;
  • explain important aspects for seed production and seed quality;
  • apply breeding methods, taking into account the reproduction mode of the crop of interest;
  • analyze observations to separate genetic and non-genetic components of variation.

Prior knowledge

Assumed Knowledge:
Mendelian genetics as taught in GEN-11806, textbook Griffiths [et al.], An Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 12th ed.: Chapters 1, 2, 3 (single gene inheritance, Mendel’s laws), 4 (mapping by recombination), 6 (digenic segregation patterns), and 19 (inheritance of complex traits, heritability).

Resources

Additional information

  • Credits
    ECTS 3
  • Level
    bachelor
If anything remains unclear, please check the FAQ of Wageningen University.

Offering(s)

  • Start date

    2 September 2024

    • Ends
      25 October 2024
    • Term *
      Period 1
    • Location
      Wageningen
    • Instruction language
      English
    Course is currently running
  • Start date

    10 February 2025

    • Ends
      7 March 2025
    • Term *
      Period 4
    • Location
      Wageningen
    • Instruction language
      English
    • Register between
      1 Jun, 00:00 - 12 Jan 2025
    Enrolment open
These offerings are valid for students of Utrecht University