Molecular Breeding and Biotechnology

Specialization / Direction

The course is also offered to exchange programme students.

After completing this course students will acquire a basic knowledge of the latest molecular breeding approaches. They will become familiar with the technologies available to produce molecular markers and how these are used to construct linkage maps, useful for mapping QTL and plant breeding in general. They will get a first contact with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and the integration of large-scale analysis technologies (genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic) in plant breeding. Understand the processes involved in the planning, conduct and execution of plant biotechnology experiments, explain how biotechnology is used for plant improvement and discuss the ethical implications of that use. They will become familiar with new breeding technologies, including genome editing and the use of CRISPR/Cas technology to modify agricultural traits. They will know the pros and cons of alternative strategies available to identify genetic determinants controlling agronomic traits. Students will be able to evaluate the advantages and limitations of different breeding strategies and select the most appropriate one for specific objectives.

1 Introduction. - Description of the material and objectives of the course. - Delimitation of the scientific field of molecular breeding. 2. Molecular markers. - What are genetic markers? - Development of marker detection technologies. - Marker classes. - Molecular markers: their genetic characteristics and their detection techniques. - PCR and molecular markers. The application of PCR in the development of markers: RAPDs, AFLPs, SSRs, and other classes of markers. 3. Genotyping with markers - Genetic distance and molecular markers. - Data coding and analysis. GenAlEx, MEGA 4. Genetic mapping. - Genetic and physical maps. - Mapping using markers. - Mapping of chromosome loci linked to quantitative traits (Quantitative Trait Loci, QTL). Mapping populations and mapping models. 5. Molecular Breeding (I) Selection with markers (MAS, GWAS) - What is Marker Assisted Selection. Detailed examples of the use of molecular markers to aid selection. - Backrossing and integration of many different characters (pyramiding). - QTL selection and integration 6. Sequencing. - Sequencing technologies: from the Sanger method to Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies. 7. Molecular Breeding (II) SNPs-Genomic selection - SNPs genotyping and use in genomic selection schemes - Genomic selection 8. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs). - Applications of genetic engineering for GM plants. - Commercial exploitation and cultivation of GM plants. - Issues of intellectual property (patents) and GM plant release legislation. 9. First cycle of GM plants. - Resistance to insects, herbicides and dual resistance. - Cultivation impacts and case study of BT cotton use in India. 10. Second cycle of GM plants - Modification of other characters. Resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, modification of plant architecture, and increase in nutritional value. Analysis of the 'golden rice' case. 11. Future and new improvement technologies - New genome editing tools. - New Breeding Techniques. 12. Bioethics - Risk management issues in biotechnology and bioethical considerations.

22-11-2023