Evolutionary forces. Quantitative character genetics. Basic statistics and analysis of variance. Crossing schemes and evaluation of phenotypic components. Response to selection.
Selection schemes to obtain homozygous varieties, hybrids and populations.
Methods of assisted selection with genetic markers. Participative selection.
Fondamenti di genetica (Russel).
Metodi di selezione (Scarascia Mugnozza),
Plant Breeding and Farmer Participation (FAO).
Learning Objectives
: Ability to utilize genetic markers, in particular those markers used to evaluate population diversity and to initiate genetic improvement programs (Classical breeding scheme and marker assisted selection MAS).Valorisation of the local germplasm of crop species for production, using different methods, including that of participative selection.
Prerequisites
) Basic genetics with particular reference to Mendelian Genetics, chromosome maps, genetic control of quantitative characters, and population genetics; 2) Biodiversity evaluation and genetic variation between and within populations;
Teaching Methods
Lecture; Practical hours (in Laboratory)
Type of Assessment
Exam modality: written
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 construction. 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 and the development of programs of participative genetic improvement involving the local farmers. Selection and choice of seeds. Methods and equipment for the cleaning and preparation of seeds.