Home Study Plant Breeding Course
"An introduction to the techniques of plant breeding".
There are 7 lessons in this module as follows:
1. The Scope and Nature of the Plant Breeding Industry
What is Plant Breeding
Scope of the Modern Industry
Sources of Genetic Material
Germplasm Preservation
Botanic Gardens, Plant Breeding Organisations, Research Bodies
2. Introduction to Genetics
Review of Plant Genetics Linkage and Crossing Over
DNA
Homologous Chromosomes
Cell Biology -cell components, cell wall, nucleus
Protein Synthesis
Plant Anatomy
Plant Genetics, Mendel's Principles and Experiment
Genetic Terminology
Gene Linkages
3. Gamete Production, Pollination and Fertilisation in Plants
Phases of Plant Reproduction
Gamete Production
Gene Mutation
Sources of Genetic Variation: Polyploidy, Bud Sports and Chimeras
Male Sterility
Effect of Environment
Use of Pollination Biology in Plant Breeding: Pollination Process, Pollination Requirements, Cross Pollination, Fertilisation, Male/Female Recognition, Overcoming incompatibilit, Post Fertilisation, Pollen Selection, Floral Introduction etc.
Mitosis and Meiosis
Genes
Sexual Structures in Plants: Flowers, Fruit, Seed
4. Mono Hybrid and Dihybrid Inheritance in Plants
Mono hybrid Crosses
Dihybrid Crosses
Gene Linkages
Crossing Over
Recombination
Quantitative Traits
Terminology
5. Systematic Botany and Floral Structures
Systematic Botany
Plant Morphology
Type Specimins
Floral Diagrams
International Botanical Code
Binomial System; Genus and species
Hybrids, Varieties, Cultivars
Name Changes
Nomenclature of hybrids
Using Botanical Keys
6. Practical Plant Breeding Techniques
Plant Breeding Programs
Breeding Self Pollinated Crops
Pure Line Breeding
Mass Selection
Pedigree Breeding
Bulk Population Breeding
Breeding Cross Pollinated Crops
Single Plant Selection
Mass Selection
Progeny Selection
Line Breeding
Recurrent Selection
Backcross Breeding
Induced Polyploidy
Hybrid Seed Production
Dormancy Factors Affecting Germination (eg. hard seeds, impermeability to water, Chemical inhibitors, Undeveloped embryos, etc)
7. Current Developments in Plant Genetics
Plant Biotechnology
Genetic Engineering
DNA Markers
Somatic Hybridisation
Micropropagation
Plant Breeders Rights
Trade Marks, Patents
Aims
Describe the commercial and scientific nature of the modern plant breeding industry, on a global basis
Describe the structure and function of genetic material
Describe gamete production in plants.
Explain the results of mono hybrid and dihybrid inheritance in plants.
Investigate the role of systematic botany in horticulture.
Explain a variety of different plant breeding techniques.
Review current developments in plant breeding.
Duration: 100 hours
STUDENT'S COMMENT
"I am very pleased and impressed with the way that ACS recently handled my submission.
This included acknowledgement of receipt of my answers, finding a specialist to answer a specific subject enquiry, and a tutor to mark the work in the temporary absence of Katie.
All three were both professional and helpful, contributing to my enjoyment and acquisition of interesting, useful knowledge from the Plant Breeding course".
(Malcolm Quigley, UK)
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What qualification will I achieve for completing this course?
This is an individual module course. The individual module courses are 100 hour long usually and can be taken on their own or as part of a larger program of study.
If you wish to take an individual module course as a stand alone course, you can elect to sit an optional exam at the end of it.
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Study at Home Plant Breeding Course
"An introduction to the techniques of plant breeding".
Work in a huge industry.
Gain knowledge of plant breeding.
A useful qualification for career advancement.
Learn from industry experts – our tutors.
Study in your own time, at your own pace.
Plant breeding is a bigger industry than most people realize. In some places, earnings from plant breeding rights can equal or exceed earnings from actually producing plants. Today's nurseryman needs to understand plant breeding and selection; and to this end, this course is a very valuable and unique course for anyone working in the modern industry.
