Biotechnology for Plant Breeding

This module begins with a refresher on molecular and cellular biology. The lectures then explore the impact of biotechnology on genetic progress. Finally, the various biotechnologies useful in plant breeding are described. These biotechnologies are classified into two groups: (i) those that enable the creation or propagation of beneficial mutations (mutagenesis, polyploidization, haplo-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 supplemented by presentations given by professionals.

Examples of courses created by professionals:

• Frederic BAKRY (CIRAD) Banana Biotechnology
• Léo HERBERT (CIRAD): CRISPR in grapevines and rice
• Sébastien TISNE (CIRAD): Biotechnology for Oil Palm Breeding

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

Knowledge

• To acquire a basic understanding of the biotechnology that a technician might encounter while working at a seed company and as a breeding assistant.
• Gain a general understanding of plant biotechnology.

Expertise

• Be able to perform procedures under aseptic conditions.
• A study of polymorphism in microsatellite markers
• Conduct a QTL analysis.

Hourly volumes:

            CM: 18

            TD: 9

            TP: 9

nothingness

Assessment is based on a comprehensive continuous evaluation system that includes, in particular, a presentation grade, a lab report grade, and a final exam.