Course code LauZ5124

Credit points 3

Plant Genetics and Breeding

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures16

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes16

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation24.09.2020

Responsible UnitInstitute of Soil and Plant Science

Course developer

author Augsnes un augu zinātņu institūts

Arta Kronberga

Dr. agr.

Course abstract

Master students acquire deepen knowledge on theory of plant genetics and breeding: Mendelian concepts, population genetics, breeding self-pollinated and cross polinated species, breeding hybrid cultivars. Muthagenesis, polyploidy. Main directions and methods of plant breeding, planning and organisation of breeding.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Master students acquire deeper knowledge in genetic laws as basis for plant breeding and theoretical basis of plant breeding, methods used in breeding of different varieties; Oral presentation on selected topics; exercises in heredity of traits.
Master students comprehend genetic laws that influenced traits heredity and selection in breeding process. Students comprehend the main points of breeding scheme, different breeding methods and their validity for different species in different breeding stages.

In result, master students working in plant breeding, are competent to select adequate breeding methods and work with him, they are competent to study and discuss scientific and other literature on topics of study course. Compiles breeding schemes for different crop species using different breeding methods.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. The definition of genetics, the main research directions. Historical development of plant breeding aims and its significance nowadays.
2. Cytological basis of heredity. Molecular basis of heredity.
3. Mendel’s laws of inheritance; interaction of allelic genes (mono-, dihybrid crossing). Interaction of non-allelic genes (complementation of genes, epistasis).
4. Variability of the organism (hereditary and non-hereditary). Classification of mutations. Mutation of genes, chromosomes and genome, and characterization of mutations.
5. Polyploidy. Intergeneric hybridization.
6. Basics of population genetics. Formation of population varieties.
7. Non-chromosomal heredity. CMS.
8. Inbreeding and heterosis. Hybrid variety formation.
9. Definition of breeding. Main steps of breeding. Organization of the breeding process. Classification and characterization of varieties. The importance of breeding material.
10. Breeding schemes of self-pollinating plant varieties. Pedigree and Bulk methods.
11. Breeding schemes of open pollinated varieties and synthetic varieties.
12. Registration of varieties: DUS and VCU tests.
13. Breeding using methods of modern biotechnology: in vitro, GMOs, CRSPR-Cas9 etc.
14. Breeding for different traits: abiotic factors.
15. Breeding for different traits: biotic factors.

16. The use of phenotypical, biochemical and DNA markers in plant breeding.

Requirements for awarding credit points

1. Lecture attendance at LLU is mandatory.
2. Two written tests 1) on cereals; 2) on pulses; gets a grade.
3. Prepares one oral report with illustrative Power Point slides: on a topic chosen by the student, which is related to the subject to be acquired in the study course. Gets “passed” that can influence the final grade in + or – direction.
4. All works should be completed as successfully.
5. Assessment of all “passed” term works builds up 10% of exam evaluation.

6. The remaining 90% is obtained during a written exam designed as a test. To pass the mark, the test must score at least 50% of the total number of possible points .

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Each master student prepares a report on a topic of his / her choice related to the subject to be studied in the study course (Word format; to be prepared in accordance with regulations . Preferred volume: 10 - 15 pages without a list of used literature.

Each Master's student prepares one 15-minute report (PowerPoint format) on a topic of his / her choice related to the subject to be studied.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Works that are assessed with / without: the work must be performed in accordance with the requirements set out in the previous paragraph; oral presentations - must be presented to a group of master students.
Marked tests: are evaluated according to the 10-point scale decipherment.

The final exam is evaluated with a mark on a 10-point scale.

Compulsory reading

1. Caligari P. An Introduction to Plant Breeding. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. 2009. 209 p.
2. Plant Breeding. J.Brown., P.Caligari, H.Campos. Wiley Blackwell, 2014. 278 p.
3. Griffiths A., Gelbart W., Lewontin R., Miller J., Modern genetic analysis. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, 2002., -736.
4. Āboliņš M. Ģenētikas praktikums.- LLU., 1997.- 225 lpp.
5. Madera, Silvija S. Bioloģija : eksperimentāla mācību grāmata. 1. daļa. - Rīga: Zvaigzne AB,. - [2001]. - 290 lpp.

6. Misiņa M., Loža V. Ģenētika ar selekcijas pamatiem.- R., 1991.- 397 lpp

Further reading

1. Holms I. Laukaugu selekcija Latvijā.- R.: Avots, 1992.- 112 lpp.
2. Dictionary of Plant Breeding. Rolf H.J.Schlegel. CRC Press, 2010. 571 p. [tiešsaiste] [24.09.2019.] Pieejams: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9780429150708.

3. Chahal G.S., Gosal S.S. Principles and procedures of plant breeding. Harrow, U.K: Alpha Science International Ltd, 2002. 604. p.

Periodicals and other sources

Zinātniskie žurnāli un rakstu krājumi, kas pieejami LLU FB abonētajās datu bāzēs, piemēram:

1. Plant Breeding. Published by John Wiley and Sons. ISSN (printed): 0179-9541. ISSN (electronic): 1439-0523.

2. Euphytica Published by Springer. ISSN (printed): 0014-2336. ISSN (electronic): 1573-5060. Pieejams LLU FB abonētajā datubāze SpringerLink http://www.springerlink.com/content/0014-2336/

Notes

Compulsory study course for Academic Master study program “Agriculture”, sub-directions “Field-crop Cultivation” and “Horticulture” in 1st semester.