Genetic Improvement

Code:

CA4002

Acronym:

CA4002

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Agrarian Sciences

Instance: 2022/2023 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Agricultural Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M:EAGR	16	Study plan from 2018	1	-	6	42	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

Knowing the importance of the genetic component in plant production and animal performance.

Teaching methods (experimental design and field layout) to reduce environmental variation, to allow effective genetic selection.

Demonstrate ways of using molecular markers for screening of the genetic material in order to limit environmental impact.

Teaching methods of differential selection for sexually reproducing species (self-pollinating and cross-pollinating plants) and asexual reproducing species, taking into account the different ways to limit the influence of the environment. Knowing how to use the classical and molecular biological methods for improving the genetic component.

Become proficient in the use of the international databases (eg NCBI - National Centre for Biotechnology Information) to design primers that allow the diagnosis of characteristics that may have an impact on production, recognize the existence or absence of genes interest, for the identification of species / varieties (authentication), identification of genetically modified products, recognition of genes responsible for specific diseases, among other applications.

Having knowledge of the methods of conservation of genetic resources in plants and animals, understand the potential and limitations of various existing methods, meet the leading banks in national and international germplasm.

Understand the difference (and conflict) between selection and genetic variability.

 

Learning outcomes and competences

Students should be able to define and intervene on the importance of genetic variability in the process of selection and genetic improvement of plants and animals.

Have solid knowledge about the genetic model, selection and response to selection. "Breeding Value". Gene replacement effect, additive property of BV. Dominance Deviation.

Understand and know how to estimate the main parameters of quantitative genetics used in the genetic improvement of agricultural species, namely in the genetic model for polygenic systems; environmental and epistasis effects. Improvement strategies.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Population and Mandelian Genetics and Molecular and Celular Biology.

Program

1st chapter: importance of genetic variability in the process of selection and genetic improvement of plants and animals.

2nd. Review of basic concepts of population genetics and heredity.

3rd. Genetic model concepts for a locus. Selection and response to selection. "Breeding Value". Gene replacement effect, additive property of BV. Dominance Deviation.

4th. Quantitative Genetics: Polygenic systems, quantitative traits. The genetic model for polygenic systems; environmental and epistasis effects. Improvement strategies.

i. Phenotypic variance and its decomposition. Normal Distribution. Covariance, correlation and regression. Decomposition of genetic variance; heritability in the broad and narrow sense. Repeated characters, permanent and temporary environmental effects; repeatability and prediction of observations. Genetic relationships between individuals, direct and collateral. Inbreeding, relationship coefficient.
ii. Gene regression on the phenotype. Prediction of gene values. Prediction accuracy. Prediction based on own performance and that of family members. Response to selection (genetic progress per generation and per year), selection differential, selection intensity. Alternative selection plans.
iii. Effective population size and inbreeding. Principles of Animal Breeding: The genetic model.

Mandatory literature

Jonh Mullo Poehlman; Breeding Crops
George Acquaah; Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding, Wiley-Blackwell, 2012

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures: exposure of themes based on the use of different supporting materials (slides, multimedia, internet).

Practical classes: Problem resulotion. Presentation and discussion of selected scientific articles by the students.

 

keywords

Natural sciences

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	45,00
Participação presencial	10,00
Teste	45,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	49,00
Frequência das aulas	49,00
Total:	98,00

Eligibility for exams

It is mandatory to attend 2/3 practical classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

Classification = final written examination (90%)
+ the report (10%)


To pass, the student must have score 10 in the final examination.

Examinations or Special Assignments

n/a

Internship work/project

n/a

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

n/a

Classification improvement

The improvement of the classification will be done based on the 15 marks only.

Observations

Main Bibliography:

scientific articles will be indicated every class as well as in different internet sites.

Classical Handbooks:
Crops Breeding, John Mull Poehlman
Principles of Crop Improvement. N. W. Simmonds


Attendance of students
I will be available for students every tuesday from 2pm to 4 pm or by appointment upon request by the students.