Biotechnology for plant improvement

This module begins with a refresher course in molecular and cellular biology. The lectures then present the impact of biotechnology on genetic progress. Finally, the various biotechnologies useful in plant improvement are described. These biotechnologies are classified into two groups: (i) those that enable the creation or propagation of interesting mutations (mutagenesis, polyploidization, haploid-diploid methods, in vitro culture, transgenesis, genome editing, etc.) and (ii) those that promote the recombination of mutations (interspecific crosses, somatic hybridization, molecular marking, etc.). These courses are illustrated by presentations given by professionals.

Examples of courses created by professionals:

• Frederic BAKRY (CIRAD) Banana biotechnology
• Léo HERBERT (CIRAD): CrispR on grapevines and rice
• Sébastien TISNE (CIRAD): biotechnology in oil palm improvement

9 hours of practical work on in vitro cell cultures (tobacco, potato, carrot cell cultures, etc.) and microsatellite genotyping and QTL mapping on a biparental rice population.

Knowledge

• Acquire the basics of biotechnology that a technician may encounter in a seed company and as an assistant breeder.
• Acquire general knowledge about plant biotechnology.

Know-how

• Know how to handle in aseptic conditions.
• A search for polymorphism for microsatellite markers
• Perform a QTL search.

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 18

            TD: 9

            TP: 9

nothing

Assessment is based on continuous assessment, including a presentation grade, a practical work report grade, and a final exam.