October 2005 E-News

Plant Breeding Academy
The Seed Biotechnology Center would like to inform you of an exciting new program that we are offering to enhance the knowledge of seed industry personnel about the principles of plant breeding. This two-year course addresses the reduced numbers of plant breeders being trained in academic programs in field and horticultural crops. It is an opportunity for companies to invest in dedicated personnel who are currently involved in their own breeding programs, but lack the genetics and plant breeding background to direct a breeding program. Twenty five attendees will meet at UC Davis for one week per quarter over two years (eight sessions) to allow participants to maintain their current positions while being involved in the course. Sign-ups will begin soon, with the course commencing in Fall 2006. Space will be limited, so watch for unfolding information at: Plant Breeding Academy

Breeding with Molecular Markers course: February 8-9, 2006
We are now accepting enrollment for the upcoming course which focuses on strategies for using molecular tools in different breeding schemes and crops.  Leading industry and university experts will guide participants on how, when and what types of molecular markers should be used in breeding programs, including marker-assisted selection, accelerated backcrossing, and quantitative trait loci.  It is aimed at professionals who are directly or indirectly involved in plant breeding and germplasm improvement.  The course will be held in Davis, California.  For more information or to enroll go to Breeding with Molecular Markers

Specialty Crops Regulatory Initiative seeks stakeholder input.
A program to assist developers of biotech specialty crops in meeting the regulatory requirements for commercialization is moving forward. Modeled on the IR-4 program that assists in extending registrations for agricultural chemicals to smaller market crops, the Specialty Crops Regulatory Initiative (SCRI) would serve a similar role for biotech crops. A meeting will be held in Washington, D.C. on November 21-22, 2005 to solicit stakeholder input and develop a specific plan for creating such a program. Anyone with an interest in this program is invited to participate. Contact Lynne Cochran, Cooperative Extension, UC Riverside (951-827-4430, lynnec@ucr.edu) for an agenda and registration information.

Growing the SBC
Great progress is being made towards expanding the SBC thanks to recent commitments by Nunhems, Sakata Seed America and Barkley Ag Enterprises.  These companies, along with others and the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, believe that the Center plays an important role in strengthening the seed industry through its outreach, educational and research programs.  For more information about the SBC initiative, please contact Sue Webster at 530-754-7333 or via email at scwebster@ucdavis.edu

Susan C. Webster
Program Representative
Seed Biotechnology Center
University of California
Plant Reproductive Biology
Extension Center Drive
Davis CA 95616
phone: 530.754.7333
fax: 530.754.7222

For information on the Plant Breeding Academy go to:
Plant Breeding Academy