Specific aspects on Breeding in Horticultural Crops

Specific Foundation / Core

The course is also offered to exchange programme students.

At the end of the course, students will be able to: 1) Understand the role and the importance of the cultivars in the breeding and production process. 2) Plan and apply a simple breeding program. Discuss the concept and importance of conventional methods in plant breeding. 3) Understand the importance and the application of the molecular and biotectechnological approaches in plant breeding. 4) Carry on their role as mediators between the farmer and the breeder (to bring the farmers problems to the breeder and the breeders products to the farmer).

Introduction GRAMINAE Corn and Sweet corn (Zea mays) Origin and Evolution – Genetic resources, Breeding Methodology – Historical overview, Parent selection – Diallel & recipcocal crosses – Hybrids and Heterosis, Criteria of selection for quality and quantity traits, Methodology for breeding population, Development of pure lines and evaluation Applications of biotechnology (Genomics, Bioinformatics and Synteny) into in corn breeding. LEGUMINOSAE Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris & P. coccineus) Origin and Evolution – Genetic resources – Phaseolus species and varieties Breeding applications in P.vulgaris and P. coccineus. Modern priorities in common and runner bean: (i) Yield and quality (ii) resistance to biotic (insects, fungies, viruses, bacteria, nematodes) & abiotic conditions (cold and heat tolerance, water stress, salinity, heavy metals, Ν-fixation and climatic changes). Breeding methodology and schemes (Pedigree and modified Mass selection). Propagation and seed production in common and runner bean. Applications of biotechnology and molecular markers (MAS) on breeding programs in common and runner bean. Use of Genomics, Bioinformatics and Synteny into Phaseolus genetics and breeding. CRUCIFERAE Cabbage Origin and Evolution – Genetic resources – Species and varieties, Cytogenetics and special genetic characteristics in Brassicae, Botany and methodology of cross techniques, Historical overview on breeding in Cruciferae species, Self incompatibility – Male sterility – Interspecific and intraspecific hybrid production. Types of cultivated varieties. Breeding priorities and specific programs on product quality and resistance to biotic stress.Use of local populations in cabbage’s breeding. Applications of biotechnology and prospects in cucumber’s breeding. ALLIACEAE Onion Origin and Evolution – Genetic resources – Species and varieties, Botany and methodology of cross techniques. Biological cycle, bulb development, seed production and propagation. Composition and quality of onion – Special substitutes (flavonoids, sulfonates, antioxidants) and effect on human’s health.Types of cultivated varieties (pure lines, hybrids, populations). Breeding and Methodology – Exploitation of related wild species – Cytoplasm male sterility – Hybrid production. Applications of biotechnology and molecular markers (MAS) on breeding programs CUCURBITACEAE Cucumber Origin and Evolution – Genetic resources - Genetic variation. Botany and methodology of cross techniques. Use of male sterility and chemical compounds in hybrid production. Breeding methodology and application. Breeding schemes for pure line or hybrid production. Exploitation of parthenocarpy in cucumber’s breeding. Exploitation of local varieties in cucumber’s breeding and use of grafting technique. Applications of biotechnology and molecular markers (MAS) on breeding programs SOLANACEAE Potato Origin, history and Evolution – Genetic resources, Potato biodiversity, General botany, Cytogenetics, Reproductive biology, Seed production and asexual (vegetative) propagation, virus free stock, seed storage Optimization of production levels and quality, resistance to biotic (disease) and abiotic stresses (heat, frost and drought tolerance) are key objectives of global potato breeding programs, Applications of biotechnology (GMOs) and molecular markers (MAS) on breeding programs. Tomato Origin, history and Evolution – Genetic resources, Tomato species and varieties, Application of breeding methodology and schemes for pure line or hybrid production, using of landraces collections in breeding and seed production, Resistance to biotic (disease) and abiotic stresses (drought and salinity tolerance), Quality and nutrition of immature fruits, Propagation and seed production, Applications of biotechnology and molecular markers (MAS) on breeding programs in tomato, Use of Genomics, Bioinformatics and Synteny into tomato (Solanaceae) genetics and breeding. Eggplants Origin and Evolution – Genetic resources, species and varieties, Morphological traits and methodology of cross techniques, Genetic variation, Cytogenetic and genetic characteristics in exploitation of local and wt varieties in breeding (intra- and interspecific eggplant hybrids), seed production, Quality, nutrients and food processing of fruits , tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress, grafting and this techniques, Applications of biotechnology (GMOs) and molecular markers (MAS) on breeding programs. BREEDING IN HORTICULTURAL PLANTS Origin, history and Evolution – Genetic resources, species and varieties, asexual propagation, Classification, Commercial classes, Cytogenetics Genetics, General botany, Reproductive biology , Pollination, Morphological traits, methodology of cross techniques and self-pollination, Types of cultivated varieties (cultivars, hybrids). Biodiversity. Common breeding methods and objectives, strong focus on innovation and quality control, Economic importance, mutation, ploidity, selection of rootstocks, tolerance to biotic stress (diseases), Applications of biotechnology on breeding programs. BREEDING OF FRUIT TREES Rosaceae (apple, pear), Prunuidae (sherry, peach), Actinidia spp., Musa spp. Origin, history and Evolution – Genetic resources, Species and varieties, Asexual propagation and grafting, Classification, Pollination, Morphological traits, Methodology of cross techniques and self-pollination, Common breeding methods and objectives, strong focus on innovation and quality control of immature fruits, , Nursery, Resistance to biotic (disease) and abiotic stresses (drought and salinity tolerance), Production of certified plant material, Virus free material, Applications of biotechnology (GMOs), molecular markers (MAS) and Bioinformatics on breeding programs. The courses are enriched depending on their duration time with improvement exercises: 1. General and Specific combining ability (SCA) 2. Heterosis and Inbreeding depression in hybrids and depressed genetic material. 3. Selection criteria and Coefficient of heritability

Breeding, vegetable plants, horticultural crops, fruit trees,

12-01-2016