The microcredential will begin by exploring the key aspects of breeding self-pollinated plants and compare a range of breeding systems for these species. We will then focus on breeding cross pollinated species and compare breeding systems for these. We will assess the effect of polyploidy in plants and how induction of polyploidy may be used in plant breeding programs. Finally we will also look at the principle of employing interspecific and intergeneric hybridization in breeding and its utilisation in a range of breeding programmes

CQFW Level 7 - Masters Level

Course Description

This course will explore:

Self-Pollinated Crops

• Key aspects of breeding self-pollinated species
• Breeding systems for self-pollinated species and evaluate their merits and drawbacks
• Types of varieties made in self-pollinated species and discuss their characteristics and differences.

Cross- Pollinated Crops

• Key aspects of breeding cross pollinated species
• Breeding systems for cross pollinated species and evaluate their merits and drawbacks
• Types of varieties made in cross pollinated species and distinguish their characteristics and differences.

Interspecific and Intergeneric Hybrids

• The effect of polyploidy in plants and how induction of polyploidy may be used in plant breeding programs.
• Employing interspecific and intergeneric hybridization in breeding and its utilisation in breeding programs.
• Breeding systems and varieties for generating interspecific and intergeneric hybrids and their merits and drawbacks