Population genetics. Evolutionary forces. Methods for assessing the of the gene pool, conservation of biodiversity. Cross-diagrams and estimate variance of genetic components. Response to selection. Estimating the attitude to the combination (general and specific). Selection schemes for obtaining homozygous, hybrid varieties and genetic improvement of populations. Molecular biology and assisted selection schemes. Partecipatory selection, evolutionary breeding.
Introduction to quantitative genetics. Falconer.
Plant Breeding and farmer participation. Ceccarelli
Learning Objectives
To know pinciples of quantitative and population genetic. To lern the basic mechanisms for selection and improvement of varieties and populations. Introduction to participatori selection and to evolutionary breeding
Prerequisites
knowledge of basic genetics. Mathematics and statistic. General botany: flower biology. Plant physiology
Teaching Methods
Lessons, exercises and laboratory activities
Further information
Basic statistical knowledge are remanded
Type of Assessment
Written and oral exam
Course program
Population genetics: Hardy and Weinberg equilibrium; evolutionary forces: migration, mutations, selection and derived genetics. Inbreeding and Panmitic Coefficient. Basic statistics: study of the distribution and analysis of variance; formulation of hypothesis and statistical tests. Genetic and environmental components that characterise the phenotype. Phenotypic variance and variance of different components (additive genetic variance, genetic variation based on dominance, variation of the interaction of genetic components, phenotypic variance and interactions). Crossing schemes to study genetic and environmental components; phenotype constituents: diallel crosses and North Carolina model 1 schemes. Calculation of the hereditary coefficients. Response to selection. The attainment of homogenous lines. Selection schemes: selection methods for varieties of self-fertilized species, hybrid varieties and populations. Varietal constitution. Assisted selection methods. Utilization of genetic markers for the improvement of species under cultivation. Utilization of genetic markers for the study and the evaluation of biodiversity. Importance of the evaluation of local genetic resources, plant breeding and local farmer participation in genetic improvement. Selection and choice of seeds. Methods and equipment for the cleaning and preparation of seeds.