99870 - Applied Genetics and Plant Breeding

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the basic structure of plant genomes and of the main methods used to modify them through crossing, selection, and innovative molecular and biotechnological approaches, with the aim of developing improved varieties of field crops more efficiently and rapidly (Module 1).

Students will also have acquired the basic principles of quantitative and population genetics needed to enhance and protect plant genetic biodiversity, define the objectives of a breeding programme, plan its activities, and assess its potential and sustainability, including economic sustainability (Module 2).

Course contents

A) PREREQUISITES

Students taking this course must have a good knowledge of AGRICULTURAL GENETICS, which will NOT be covered again in this course. Students are therefore strongly advised to review the main topics of Agricultural Genetics in advance.

To support individual revision, bibliographic references, teaching materials and self-assessment tests are made available online on Virtuale within this course.

Students should also have basic knowledge of chemistry, biology, mathematics, statistics, field crops, botany, entomology and plant pathology. These prerequisites are normally provided by bachelor’s degree programmes in class L-25 — Agricultural and Forestry Sciences and Technologies — and by the first-year, first-semester courses of the Master’s Degree Programme in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies.

B) TEACHING UNITS

The course is divided into two Modules, each including 18 hours of lectures and 12 hours of applied activities.

Module 1

1. Introduction to plant breeding in the agri-food and agro-industrial supply chains (4 hours)
Contribution of plant breeding to increasing the productivity and sustainability of primary crop production and to improving the safety and quality of plant-based food products. Main critical factors in planning a breeding project according to the target trait, its Mendelian or polygenic genetic control, and the biology of the species.

2. Molecular organisation of genetic material (6 hours)
Structure of genes, chromosomes and genomes in eukaryotes and plants; molecular basis of gene expression and its regulation in relation to plant development and responses to biotic and abiotic stimuli; nature and analysis of DNA polymorphisms; linkage and genetic mapping; introduction to the genetic basis of resistance to pests and pathogens, including R genes; examples and applications in crop species. Backcrossing and marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC).

3. Generation of useful genetic variation for mono- and oligogenic traits (8 hours)
Main approaches used in mutagenesis programmes and in the identification of mutants. Main methods for introducing variability through transgenesis and gene editing, including New Genomic Techniques, and their applications.

Practical activities — Module 1

Observation, scoring and statistical-genetic analysis of morphological traits with Mendelian inheritance in an experimental barley population, Oregon Wolfe Barley, specifically developed for teaching purposes and grown and made available at DISTAL facilities. Analyses include segregation distortion, linkage between loci and molecular markers, and correlation.

 

Module 2

1. Genetic structure of populations and plant genetic resources (4 hours)
Populations at linkage equilibrium and disequilibrium. Collection, analysis and conservation of plant genetic resources. Design of a breeding programme and definition of the ideotype. Pre-breeding and the role of biodiversity in breeding programmes.

2. Genetic basis of variation in quantitative traits (8 hours)
Components of phenotypic, genetic and environmental variance. Experimental designs and heritability. Selection for multiple traits and for adaptation to different agro-environmental conditions. Use of molecular markers to identify loci controlling quantitative traits (QTL). Marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS). Genetic and economic indices.

3. Breeding of self-pollinated and cross-pollinated species (6 hours)
Selection methods within populations, mass selection, recurrent selection and pure-line selection. Criteria for choosing parents and selection methods. Main breeding schemes: pedigree selection, single-seed descent (SSD), doubled-haploid production and their economic implications. Hybrid breeding, heterosis, general and specific combining ability, and choice of tester.

Practical activities — Module 2

Analysis of genetic variation for phenotypic traits: design and analysis of phenotypic evaluation trials for the study of heritability, genotype-by-environment interaction, and general and specific combining ability. Use of basic commands in R. (4 hours)

Analysis of genetic biodiversity, genetic distance and similarity for the conservation and enhancement of germplasm. Use of basic commands in R. (4 hours)

Group analysis of case studies: identification of breeding objectives, retrieval of relevant information, critical analysis carried out by students, preparation of reports and presentation of short seminars. This activity is optional and may contribute up to 3 additional points to the final assessment. (4 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

F. Lorenzetti et al., Miglioramento genetico delle piante agrarie, Edagricole, Milan, 2017.

Recommended textbooks for independent revision of the basic principles of Agricultural Genetics:

F. Lorenzetti et al., Genetica agraria. Genetica e biotecnologie applicate all’agricoltura, Patron, Bologna, 6th ed., 2025.

P. J. Russell et al., Genetica agraria, EdiSES, Naples, 2016.

Teaching materials are provided through the Moodle platform, Virtuale, and include lecture outlines, datasets for practical activities, collections of exercise results and self-assessment questionnaires. A blog/forum is also available for lecturer–student communication and discussion.

Teaching methods

The course (Modules 1 and 2) includes 36 hours of lectures and 24 hours of practical activities.

Lectures cover the principles of genomics and the genetic basis of selection in relation to the available genetic variation and breeding objectives.

Practical activities focus on the analysis of the inheritance of Mendelian loci controlling morphological traits and molecular markers (Module 1), and on the analysis of genetic variation and biodiversity and the study of case studies, with the aim of developing analytical skills and encouraging the critical use of technical and scientific sources (Module 2). Operational instructions are available on Virtuale.

Activities shared by Modules 1 and 2 include:

• educational visits to breeding programmes and field trials involving breeding materials under selection.

Students with officially recognised status or formally recognised study–life balance needs may agree with the lecturer on alternative arrangements for completing the voluntary seminar, while maintaining the same objectives and assessment criteria.

Given the type of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance at any activities carried out in laboratories, teaching or demonstration fields, or other places involving specific risks requires completion of Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio ] and participation in Module 3 on specific health and safety training in study environments. Information on dates and attendance procedures is available in the relevant section of the Degree Programme website (“Study” — “Compulsory health and safety training”).

Assessment methods

The course (Modules 1 and 2, 6 ECTS credits) is part of the Integrated Course 99869 — PLANT BREEDING AND SEED PRODUCTION, together with the course 79262 — Seed Biology, Production and Testing (4 ECTS credits). The assessment of the Integrated Course therefore jointly considers the level of knowledge and skills acquired by the student in relation to the contents of all the courses listed above.

Module 1

Final oral examination. The examination consists of two questions aimed at assessing knowledge of the basic and applied topics covered during lectures and practical activities. The examination lasts approximately 30 minutes and is graded on a 30-point scale. The examination is passed with a score of at least 18/30.

Module 2

Final written examination held in person, lasting 60 minutes. The examination assesses knowledge of the course topics, correct use of technical terminology and the ability to apply knowledge critically.

The examination consists of 18 closed-ended questions and 2 open-ended questions. The closed-ended questions are multiple-choice and are worth 1 point each, for a maximum of 18 points. The open-ended questions are assessed for correctness, completeness and ability to connect different topics, and are worth up to 6 points each, for a maximum of 12 points. The maximum score for the written examination is 30/30, and the examination is passed with a score of at least 18/30.

The use of books, notes, electronic devices or generative artificial intelligence tools is not permitted during the written examination. There are no intermediate assessments contributing to the final grade. Self-assessment quizzes are available on Virtuale.

Participation in supplementary learning activities may contribute up to 3 additional points to the Module 2 grade. The seminar is assessed on the basis of the bibliography, abstract, organisation of the presentation and critical evaluation. For group activities, assessment takes account of each student’s identifiable individual contribution. Further details are available on Virtuale. The final Module 2 grade is determined by the sum of the assessment scores, up to a maximum of 30/30.

Overall assessment of Modules 1 and 2

Provided that both modules have been passed, the overall grade for the two modules is calculated as the average of the two partial grades.

The final grade for the entire Integrated Course 99869 — PLANT BREEDING AND SEED PRODUCTION is calculated as the weighted average of the grades obtained in the two courses, according to their respective number of ECTS credits.

Honours may be awarded for excellent performance showing full command of the subject, terminological accuracy and the ability to connect different topics.

A limited, declared and non-substitutive use of generative artificial intelligence is permitted for seminar activities and individual study. AI may not be used to replace the reading of sources, generate unverified content or complete substantial parts of the assignment.

Students with specific learning disabilities or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The office will propose any appropriate adjustments, which must in all cases be submitted to the lecturer for approval at least 15 days in advance. The lecturer will assess their suitability also in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Lectures are supported by the use of a personal computer and video projector.

Bibliographic materials are available through the University Library System and on the Virtuale platform.

A blog/forum for lecturer–student communication is available on Virtuale and is accessible only to students enrolled in the course.

Supporting outlines shown during lectures and guidance notes for consulting the recommended textbooks are also provided.

Generative artificial intelligence tools may be used for individual study as non-substitutive support. Information obtained through AI must always be checked against the recommended textbooks, course materials or reliable scientific sources.

Office hours

See the website of Elisabetta Frascaroli

See the website of Silvio Salvi