99870 - Applied Genetics and Plant Breeding

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will know the bases of plant genome structure and the main methods for its modification through crossing, selection and innovative molecular and biotechnological methods, for obtaining improved varieties of field crops with the most efficient and rapid procedures. The student will also know the elements of quantitative and population genetics that allow: i) to exploit and protect crop genetic biodiversity; ii) to set up a selection program identifying its objectives; iii) to plan selection activities and iv) to evaluate selection potential and sustainability.

Course contents

A) PREREQUISITES

The students attending this course must aready know the bases of agricultural genetics, field crops, botany, statistics, entomology and plant pathology. Such a knowledge is provided by the courses taken in the previous three-years degree and by the courses held in the first year, first cycle of this two-years degree.

I strongly recommend the students to refresh their Agricultural genetics before the course starting. 

 

B) LEARNING UNITS

The course is divided into six theoretical teaching units (36 hours) and three applicative teaching units (24 hours).

1. Introduction to plant breeding in the agri-food and agro-industrial chains (4 hours)

Contribution of plant breeding to the increase and sustainability of primary crop production and to the improvement of the safety of plant food products. Main critical factors for the planning of a plant breding project according to the target objective and to the crop biology.

2. Molecular DNA analysis applied to plant breeding (6 hours)

Structure of the gene, chromosome and genome of a eukaryotic and a plant; molecular bases of gene expression and its regulation in relation to plant development and interaction with biotic and abiotic stimuli; nature and analysis of DNA polymorphisms; varietal and germplasm characterization; introduction to the genetic basis of pest resistance, R genes; examples and applications in species of agricultural interest.

3. Genetic basis of variability: mutagenesis, transgenesis, gene editing (8 hours)

Main methods for the implementation of mutagenesis programs and mutant detection techniques. Main ways of introducing variability thanks to transgenesis and gene editing and their use.

4. Population Genetic structures. Plant genetic resources; germplasm collections (6 hours)

Principles underlying the genetic structure of natural and artificial populations, the analyses and improvement. Methods of collection and conservation of plant genetic resources. Pre-breeding and the role of biodiversity in breeding programs.

5. Quantitative traits: heritability and response to selection (8 hours)

Quantitative traits and components of phenotypic, genetic and environmental variance. Heritability and its use in predicting the response to selection. Selection for multiple traits and adaptation to different environmental conditions. Use of molecular markers for the identification of loci controlling quantitative traits (QTL). Main applications of marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS).

6. Genetic improvement of autogamous and allogamous species (6 hours)

Methods of selection within populations, mass selection, recurring selection, selection by pure line. Criteria for choosing parents and selection method. Main selective schemes: pedigree, single seed offspring (SSD) production of di-haploids. Hybrid constitutions, heterosis, aptitude for the general, specific and choice of tester combination.

Practicals

Applications of plant genetics for plant breding: recall of formal and basic genetic knowledge for application in genetic improvement (6 hours)

Molecular marker laboratory: identification of molecular DNA markers for varietal identification and selection (6 hours)

Analysis of genetic variability of phenotypic traits:  methods for the setting and the analysis of phenotypic testing, for multitrait selection, genotype-environment interaction and general and specific combining abilities (12 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

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

G. Barcaccia, M. Falcinelli. Genetica e genomica. Volume II. Miglioramento genetico. 2005. Liguori editore, Napoli.

Notes from the course available on line through the Moodle platform (iol): Conceptual frameworks from classes, datasets used in practicals, collection of students works and of short reports, self-evaluation questionnaires. Blog/forum for discussion teacher-students on iol platform.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 36 hours of frontal teaching assisted by graphic material, animations and videos, and 24 hours of practicals carried out individually or in working groups in laboratories, fields and computers.

The frontal teaching is aimed at illustrating the subject and stimulating the involvement of students to verify the level of learning of the topics carried out and to promote the formation of critical skills regarding the topics covered.

The practical exercises include: analysis of molecular markers in collaboration with the teaching of Biology, production and control of seeds; guided tours to breeding camps of selected materials; data analysis and selection simulations.

Discussion groups, examination of case studies, preparation of seminars and "simulation games" will be used to deepen current technical topics related to the subject of study.

Hours of tutoring are planned to support the course, also in consideration of the different levels of previous knowledge of the subject.

Assessment methods

The final exam is oral and includes three questions aimed at ascertaining the knowledge of the theoretical and applied aspects of plant breeding described during the lectures and the practical exercises. The exam is expected to last about 30 minutes.

Teaching tools

For lectures, overhead projector, PC and projector can be used.

Scientific literature provived by the Sistema Bibiliografico di Ateneo and provided through iol platform.

Blog/forum for discussion teacher-students on iol platform, accessible to the course student only.

The conceptual framework presented in classes and notes explaning how to approach textbooks will be made available to the students through iol platform.

For practical exercises, the teacher will set (i) laboratory demonstrations, (ii) real and simulated data for the analysis, (iii) experimental populations to be grown in the field for analysis of the genetic variability.

 

 

Office hours

See the website of Elisabetta Frascaroli