This 4th short module in the Plant Breeding set focusses on:
- Plant Participatory Breeding programmes and Utilising Diversity in plant breeding programmes
- The role of mutants and biotechnology
- Genetics

CQFW Level 7 - Masters Level

Course Description

This course will explore:

Through a series of online lectures, guided reading and quizzes, students will look at:

Plant Participatory Breeding & Utilising Diversity
• Evaluate the different historical approaches to crop domestication.
• Plan for the collection and management of ex situ plant genetic resources.
• Propose a client-oriented plant breeding programme

Mutants and BioTechnology
• Describe the use of backcrossing for introgression of new traits or diversity into a breeding program
• Propose uses for a mutagenised population in a breeding program
• Evaluate the utility of biotechnology in plant breeding
• Assess the use of mutagenesis or biotechnology for the creation of genetic diversity versus exploring natural sources


Genetics in Plant Breeding
• Propose a qualitative or quantitative genetics project which could advance your breeding program.
• Design a mapping population for QTL analysis and a training population for GS development.
• Describe the benefits that MAS/GS would provide in a breeding program.
• Appraise a breeding program for the adoption of MAS or GS

Those wishing to be assessed will submit a 1500 word report (pass-mark 50%).