Unit PLANT BIOTECHNOGY
- Course
- Biotechnology
- Study-unit Code
- GP004100
- Curriculum
- In all curricula
- Teacher
- Lorenzo Raggi
- Teachers
-
- Lorenzo Raggi
- Hours
- 52 ore - Lorenzo Raggi
- CFU
- 6
- Course Regulation
- Coorte 2024
- Offered
- 2026/27
- Learning activities
- Affine/integrativa
- Area
- Attività formative affini o integrative
- Sector
- AGR/07
- Type of study-unit
- Opzionale (Optional)
- Type of learning activities
- Attività formativa monodisciplinare
- Language of instruction
- Italian
- Contents
- The principles and methods of genetic biotechnology applied to agronomic plants. The course is divided into two parts: i) the study of techniques for genomic DNA analysis aimed at characterizing genetic biodiversity, with a special focus on plant breeding, using different classes of molecular markers and ii) plant breeding methods with particular focus on breeding methods specific to predominantly self-pollinating, predominantly cross-pollinating and clonally propagated species. The application of laboratory techniques, including molecular marker analysis, in the context of plant breeding.
- Reference texts
- Lorenzetti et al. Miglioramento genetico delle piante agrarie. Mew Business Media/ Edagricole
- Educational objectives
- The aim of the course is to provide students with knowledge of the most relevant DNA analysis techniques and methodologies used in plant breeding. In particular, the course covers fundamental techniques for the detection of different classes of molecular markers based on Southern blotting, PCR, and probe hybridization. Students will develop the ability to select the most appropriate molecular marker according to economic considerations, time requirements for analysis, and the type of molecular data generated. The course also addresses the use of various classes of molecular markers for DNA characterization, including their application in marker-assisted selection (MAS), with a focus on RFLP, AFLP, SCAR, SSR, CAPS, and additional methodologies for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection. Students will also acquire knowledge of plant reproductive biology, including the mechanisms promoting cross-fertilization and how reproductive systems influence the choice of breeding methods applicable to different crop species. The course will enable students to understand and apply diverse plant breeding strategies for the development of new cultivars in both self-pollinating and cross-pollinating species. By the end of the course, students will have gained the foundational knowledge required to initiate a plant breeding program, as well as an understanding of molecular analysis systems that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of plant genetic improvement programs.
- Prerequisites
- Completion of the genetics exam.
- Teaching methods
- The course is organized as follows:
- lectures covering all course topics;
practical sessions in the Genetic Biotechnology Laboratory of DSA3 to apply the knowledge gained on marker-assisted selection.
Students will be divided into groups (maximum of 10-12 students per group). - Other information
- Teaching materials provided by the teacher.
- Learning verification modality
- The oral exam consists of a discussion lasting about 30-40 minutes aimed at evaluating the level of knowledge and understanding achieved by the student on the theoretical and methodological contents indicated in the program (genetic improvement methods, types of molecular markers and sequencing). The oral test will also verify the student's communication skills with language properties and autonomous exposition organization on the same topics with theoretical content.
For information on support services for students with disabilities and / or SLD, visit the page http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa - Extended program
- Nature and origin of genetic diversity in living organisms, from morphological to molecular markers; identification of variations in DNA sequences. Application of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and primer development using Primer3 online tool. Molecular markers: different classes and classification including AFLP, SCAR, SSR markers and those used for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection: classification; description of the methodology; type of data generated and its interpretation; advantages and limitations, including considerations related to costs and labor requirements.” Application of molecular markers for the characterization of crops.
Introduction to plant breeding, floral morphology and plant reproduction. Population diversity structure in autogamous and allogamous species. Gametophytic and sporophytic self-incompatibility systems; genetic, cytoplasmic, and genetic-cytoplasmic male sterility and their effects on plant breeding programs. Vegetative propagation, self- and cross-pollination in crops; genetic structure of clonal populations, populations of predominantly self-pollinating and predominantly cross-pollinating species.
Breeding methods for predominantly self-pollinating crops: pure line selection, pedigree method; single seed descent (SSD) method; backcrossing for the transfer of a trait under dominant or recessive control.
Breeding methods for predominantly cross-pollinating species: simple recurrent selection and different types of progeny tests for the evaluation of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA).
Development of synthetic varieties and hybrids; backcrossing for the transfer of traits under dominant or recessive control in populations and hybrids.
Plant Biotechnology Laboratory
Organization and main instruments. Preparation of dilutions, stock solutions, and working solutions. Proper and handling micropipettes in laboratory practice. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): theoretical principles, reagents, concentrations, and calculation of reaction volumes for PCR mix preparation. Programming of the thermal cycler and execution of in vitro DNA amplification. DNA digestion using restriction enzymes: principles, reagents, concentrations, and calculation of reaction volumes for reaction mix preparation. Analysis of DNA fragments by agarose gel electrophoresis. Scoring of electrophoresis fragments and critical interpretation of experimental results. - Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile
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