Genetic Variability in Crops

Course Overview

What is genetic variability and how do plant breeders harness genetic variability to improve crops? This course will discuss genetic variability in crops, provide a basic review of genetics and plant breeding, an overview of modern breeding technologies, and then discusses how new plant cultivars are released. Upon completing this course, students should have a better understanding of the techniques used to generate improved crop cultivars, the science behind plant breeding, and the context for premarket risk assessments associated with genetically engineered crops.

Course Objective

You will learn what is meant by genetic variability, sources of genetic variability, and how this variability can be used by plant breeders. You will also learn about modern plant breeding techniques in the context of genetic variability.

Course Goals

1. Gain an understanding of basic genetics and natural genetic variability.
2. Introduce the differing techniques used by plant breeders to generate improved plant cultivars.
3. Introduce the connection between genetic variability the process for release of a new plant variety.

Keywords

plant breeding, genetic engineering, gene editing, genetic variability, risk assessment

Table of Contents

• Lesson 1: Genetic Variability
• Lesson 2: Harnessing Genetic Variability for Plant Breeding
• Lesson 3: Understanding Genetic Engineering in the Context of Genetic Variability
• Lesson 4: Gene Editing in the Context of Genetic Variability
• Lesson 5: Genetic Variability and Risk Assessment

We developed e-learning courses to support our capacity building and training efforts. They are offered free of charge, but access is controlled to make sure that students fully understand their nature and prevent inappropriate use. To request access, click here. If you are already enrolled on the Agriculture & Food Systems Institute eLearning platform, please log in.