CRS 4201 PLANT BREEDING TECHNOLOGIES
2. COURSE INSTRUCTORS:
Dr. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa (BSc. Mak; MSc. Bath, UK; PhD. Mak)
Dr. Mildred Ochwoh (Bsc. Agric, Mak; MSc. Agric. Mak; PhD. Mak)
3. COURSE TYPE: CORE
4. COURSE STRUCTURE:
Course Credits (CU): 2 CU
Course Duration: 15 weeks (30 hours)
5. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course examines the role of hybridization within and between species as source genetic variation. Manipulation
of chromosome and ploidy levels. The role of apomixis and heterosis in PB. Assessment of variation, genotype x
environment interactions and genotype stability. Relevance of molecular assisted breeding and Bioengineering of
crop plants. The course will also cover types of varieties, aspects of variety research and plant breeders’ rights.
6. OBJECTIVES:
 To advance students’ knowledge in concepts and practices of plant breeding
 Develop their skills in developing appropriate technologies derived from breeding programs for specific end
users.
 Develop students’ skills in literature search and presentation of findings to public through class seminars.
7. READING LIST
 Rubaihayo, P.R. 1996. Basic Concepts of Plant breeding. Longhorn Kenya Limited, Nairobi
 Fehr, W.R. 1987. Principles of cultivar development, Vol. 1. Theory and Techniques. Macmillan, New York
 Simmonds, N.W. 1979. Principles of Crop Improvement, Longman group, Essex, UK
8. COURSE CONTENT, INSTRUCTION METHODS, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
TOPIC
CONTENT
METHOD OF
INSTRUCTION / Time
allocated
1. Sexual hybridization Intraspecific and Interspecific
Interactive lectures (3 hrs)
hybridization,Barriers to hybridization
Inter genetic somatic hybrids
Cybrids,
2. Chromosome
Gene pool
Interactive lectures (6 hrs)
manipulation and
Diploid species
polyploidy
Polyploidy species
Gene transfers involving chromosome
segment
Station based field practical (Experimental
Techniques of laying field
field layout)
experiments demonstrated
plus hand on by students
in 2 groups(6hrs)
TOOLS /
EQUIPMENT
NEEDED
Chalk / BB or
LCD / Screen
Chalk / BB or
LCD / Screen
Fine seed
bed(0.5ha),
Two tape
measures, 2
Right angle
devices,
Marking pegs
and two sisal
3. Apomixis
4. Genetic variation
analysis
5. Heterosis
6. Early generation
testing techniques
7. Adaptation
8. Molecular assisted
backcrossing
9. Genetic
transformation of crop
varieties
10. Types of cultivars
11. Maintenance of
varieties
Types;
Traits of apomictic plants,
Breeding apomictic crops
Station based field practical (Visit crop
research institute with ploidy level analyzer
equipment to determine ploidy levels of
crops)
Assessment of variation in Plant breeding
Quantitative traits
Partitioning components of Genetic variation
Library based group work on specified topic
Causes of heterosis and inbreeding
depression,
Forms of dominance;
concept of combing ability
Implementation
Genetic considerations
Merits of early generation testing
Genotype x environment interactions,
Genotype stability
The role of GXE in PB
Laboratory based seminar
Selection of major genes linked to markers
Marker assisted back cross breeding
Counting the costs
Rationalizing the cost in MAS
Conditions for Transformation
Transformation methods
Biosafety practice in handling GMOs
Inbred lines,
Hybrids,
synthetics,
Multilines,
Station based field practical (Data recording
from field trial from field variety trial at
Kabanyolo)
Isolation distance
Reproductive isolation
Use of physical barriers
Cultural practices
rolls
Interactive lectures (3 hrs) Chalk / BB or
LCD / Screen
Demonstration of
determination of ploidy
levels of crops using
ploidy analyzer
(3hrs)
Interactive lectures (3 hrs)
Transport (35
seater)
Facilitation
fees
Chalk / BB or
LCD / Screen
Literature search by
Paper/
students on specific
Photocopying
topic(9 hrs)
Interactive lectures (6 hrs) Chalk / BB or
LCD / Screen
/
Interactive lectures (3 hrs) Chalk / BB or
LCD / Screen
Interactive lectures (6 hrs) Chalk / BB or
LCD / Screen
Students present their
Chalk / BB or
finding in group for
LCD / Screen
discussion (6hrs)
Interactive Lectures (3 hr) Chalk / BB or
LCD / Screen
Interactive Lectures (3 hr) Chalk / BB or
LCD / Screen
Interactive Lectures (3 hr) Chalk / BB or
LCD / Screen
In two groups, students
Paper/
get a hands on experience Photocopying
in collecting data from a
plant breeding experiment
, its analysis and report
writing
(6hrs)
Interactive Lectures (3 hr) Chalk / BB or
LCD / Screen
12. Plant breeders
rights
Role in agricultural development, Variety
description, Registration and Legislation
5. SUMMARY OF TIME NEEDED
Interactive lectures covering theory
Laboratory station-based practical
30 hrs
15 hrs
6. OVERALL COURSE EVALUATION
Continuous Assessment Test
Class practicals, Field work, Write-ups
Final examination
20%
20%
60%
Interactive Lectures (3 hr) Chalk / BB or
LCD / Screen