A free online course that introduces the fundamentals of plant breeding, its mechanisms, strategies, and challenges.

What is plant breeding? This fundamental question includes the science of reproduction and genetics. This course will begin with the significance and need for plant breeding. It will trace the historical development of this dynamic field of science. You will learn about different breeding techniques before progressing through the evolution and distribution of plant genetic traits.

Next, the basics of reproduction in plants will enable you to grasp the mechanisms by which new plants can be propagated. Breeding objectives encompass a range of goals to improve crop performance, quality, and adaptability. You will gain insights into different techniques and strategies for better yield and disease or pest resistance.

Finally, you will learn about the essential techniques for propagating desirable traits within plants in general, as well as a few selected crops like rice, soybean, sorghum, and peanuts. The power of genetics and genomics in improving crop varieties will highlight the critical role of plant breeding in addressing contemporary challenges. You will also learn about intellectual property rights and genetically modified organisms in terms of regulations and public perception. Thus, this course will be helpful for anyone interested in biotechnology and agriculture science. Enrol today.