Seed Biotechnology Center 

Breeding with Molecular Markers Course Reaches Maximum Enrollment
The Seed Biotechnology Center hosted the second "Breeding with Molecular Markers" course on Feb 8-9, 2006. Over 65 participants, including several from overseas, learned and discussed how and when it would be appropriate to integrate DNA markers in their breeding programs.  Presentations were made by Allen Van Deynze, UC Davis scientists and invited speakers on the nature and utility of DNA markers. Workshops on parental selection and population development with markers and a hands-on computer demonstration to manipulate marker data in breeding programs completed the course.

SBC Presents at Plant and Animal Genome Conference
The SBC presented results from three of their current research projects at the International Plant and Animal Genome conference in San Diego, CA, Jan 14-18, 2006.  Allen Van Deynze presented an update on "Targeted SNP Discovery in Cotton" in the Cotton workshop (link to: cotton abstract).  Progress on the development of a custom DNA microarray specifically designed for marker discovery and genotyping in lettuce was presented by David Caldwell, postdoc with the SBC, in the Compositae workshop (link to: compositae abstract). Also, posters were displayed for "Development and Application of an Informative Set of Anchored Markers for Tomato Breeding" (link to: poster) and the lettuce microarray.

Academic Training of Plant Breeders No Longer Meets Demand
Public institutions recognize that there has been a steady reduction in the numbers of public breeding programs and therefore in the number of graduates with training in plant breeding. Allen Van Deynze and Kent Bradford recently reviewed this situation in an article in Seed World (link to: article). The Plant Breeding Academy is a direct response to this by providing an alternative educational program to develop plant breeding expertise for the seed industry.  For more information about the Academy go to the: PBA website.

Growing the SBC Initiative Close to Goal!
Efforts to expand the SBC continue with plans underway to hire additional staff to increase the activities of the SBC.  Now in the seventh year of operation, the Center has repeatedly demonstrated value through its public service, educational and research programs.  A commitment to the Initiative will allow the SBC to expand its activities to bring increased value to both the University and the seed industry.  To join other agricultural leaders in this exciting effort, please contact Sue Webster at 530-754-7333 or via email at scwebster@ucdavis.edu