Basics of Plant Biotechnology for Business Professionals

In light of the need for increased crop yields and nutritional quality to sustain the world's exploding population, seed biotechnology is becoming an important industry. For example, protection from diseases and insects will increasingly be provided through genetically altered seeds rather than through chemical applications. Also, nutritional improvements developed through biotechnology will have a major impact on future food quality. In an effort to share knowledge and research in this growing area, the UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center presented a University Extension workshop on March 13, 2000.

"Basics of Plant Biotechnology for Business Professionals Seed Biology, Production and Quality" explained what biotechnology is and how it is used for crop plant improvement. This workshop gave an overview of the techniques and terminology of plant biotechnology and described applications in breeding, seed production and new product development. Consumer concerns related to the use of plant biotechnology in agriculture were also discussed. The course was designed primarily for owners, managers, sales representatives and other seed industry personnel who are not directly involved in the science of biotechnology, as well as anyone who wants to learn more about the new methods available for crop improvement.

The program was held at the University Club on the UC Davis campus and was coordinated by Kent Bradford, Ph.D., director of the UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center.