The
Instructors: Primary instructors will teach the core of the course and speakers who are specialists in specific topics will be invited. All are recognized leaders in their fields.
Primary instructors:
Dr. Larry Teuber (UC Davis)
Dr. Doug Shaw (UC Davis)
Dr. Todd Wehner (NC State)
Invited speakers (partial list):
Dr. Gurdev Khush (UC Davis)
Dr. Kent Bradford (UC Davis)
Dr. Allen Van Deynze (UC Davis)
Dr. Richard Michelmore (UC Davis)
Dr. Alan Bennett (UC Davis)
Dr. Paul Gepts (UC Davis)
Dr. David Francis (Ohio State)
Dr. Jim Holland (NC State)
Dr. David Stelly (Texas A&M)
Dr. Dave Douches (Michigan State Univeristy)
Curriculum: The curriculum is being developed by instructors with input from industry leaders. The following topics will be covered:
Introduction to plant breeding
Plant breeding objectives
Germplasm resources and pools
Crop evolution
Reproductive systems
Statistics
Sources of variance
Analysis of variance
Expected mean squares and mean separations
Genetics
Transmission genetics
Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
Inbreeding coefficients
Quantitative genetics model
Inbreeding depression and hybrid vigor
Selection theory
Principles of selection and the gain equation
Heritability and extensions to relevant selection models
Use of block corrections in selection
Recombination and population development
Selection limits
Linkage drag
Recombination in inbred lines and populations
Polyploidy
Interspecific hybridization
Population size
Establishing and monitoring goals and priorities
Population improvement vs cultivar development
Minimum standards, intermediate optima, and directional response
Breeding methods 1
Line Breeding: bulk, pedigree, backcross
Selection methods 1
Single trait selection: mass selection, line selection, multiple stage selection
Breeding methods 2
Population improvement
Inbred line development
Evaluating hybrids and combining ability
Selection methods 2
Multiple trait selection: independent culling, tandem selection, selection indices
Indirect selection methods: theory
Linkage disequilibrium
Indirect selection methods: conventional breeding
Indirect selection methods: DNA markers
Genotype by environment interactions
GxE and decisions in population development
Genetic correlation: treatment of GxE
Selection environment: single vs multiple environments
Designs to control GxE
Variance component analysis
Breeding systems
Breeding for hybrids
Genetic control of pollination: sex expression, self-incompatibility, male sterility
Breeding cultivars
Breeding clones
Breeding populations (synthetics)
Resistance breeding
Diseases
Insects
Stress
Special topics
Mutation breeding
Biotechnology (transgenic)
Mechanization
Off season nurseries
Data management
Finishing varieties
Cultivars vs hybrids
Protecting varieties and intellectual property