NPLK16002U Crop Innovation – from Genes to Seeds

Volume 2015/2016
Content

Bridging the gap from the genome and phenotype to crop modelling

 

To enable to meet the local and global challenges crop production in the near future, it is essential to gain a better understanding of genotype interactions with the environment and management. The integration of knowledge from the genetic (genomics) to the whole ecosystem (agronomics) level and the involvement and communication of the possibilities to the end-users is paramount to this process.

The course will present methods to evaluate the links between genotypes and phenotypes of single plants under controlled environmental conditions, as well as newer methods that have been established to associate complex genetic properties of crop traits at the field scale and under different management practices. Additionally, the most recent plant biotechnological methods that can be used to induce desirable mutations will also be introduced.

The course participants will be required to work with big data sets collected across several different scales. Here is examples of the topics which will be included in the course.

  • Gene expression under different growth parameters and stress conditions

  • Whole genome association studies (GWAS)

  • Genotype interactions with the environment and management practices (G x E x M)

  • Phenotyping– at the single plant level in the greenhouse (PhenoLab) and at the ecosystem level in the field (root phenotyping in RadiMax and canopy phenotyping with drones)

  • Crop modelling in plant breeding (statistical and mathematic modelling).

The practical portion of the course will include a number of computer based exercises, as well as field trips to the University experimental farm and hands-on introduction to research equipment, including drones.

University students and participants from companies involved in plant breeding and precision agriculture will work together on solving course assignments, creating networking opportunities and synergy.

Learning Outcome

The course participants will acquire up-to-date knowledge and experience with state-of-the-art tools within the following areas:

  • Genomic tools used in the analyses of genetic associations (GWAS)

  • Phenotypic analyses of root and shoot traits

  • Experimental planning, data management and statistical analyses

  • State-of-the-art methods for analyses of plant responses under field conditions

  • Understanding of basic crop physiology and its applications

  • Understanding end-user experience with crop models

 

After completing the course the students should be able to:

Knowledge:

  • Understand the background for genetic associations (GWAS)
  • Describe the interaction between genotype, environment and management practises
  • Identify genes involved in different biotic and abiotic stresses
  • Obtain overview and understanding of the needs to improve plant production

 

Skills:

  • Use tools to describe phenotype on plant and ecosystem level
  • Obtain overview of tool to for crop modelling in plant breeding

 

Competences:

  • Knowledge of statistic tools for setting up experiments

The required literature necessary to cover these topics will be made available prior to and during the course on Absalon

Basic knowledge in plant biology and physiology, genetics and statistics are expected.
The course includes a number of lectures, problem-oriented teaching in the form of computer and plant phenotype exercises. Elements of the course will be focused on bioinformatics, statistics, phenotyping, relevant analyses of plant growth and development patterns e.g. root development, and the concept of crop modelling will be introduced. The emphasis of this course is on the practical application of the methods introduced during the course.
The course is also intended to attract participation from companies with primary activities focusing on plant breeding and precision agriculture. The work will be carried out in groups with master students and stakeholders following this course.
Before the course start, the participants should anticipate about one week preparation time
• The course takes place at Campus-Tåstrup and Frederiksberg
• A free shuttle bus runs between Campus-Frederiksberg and Campus-Tåstrup
• In addition to the regular registration for the course, all potential participants (especially from outside KU) are strongly encouraged also to notify the course responsible directly for more information)
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 40
  • Excursions
  • 8
  • Guidance
  • 10
  • Lectures
  • 10
  • Practical exercises
  • 20
  • Preparation
  • 40
  • Theory exercises
  • 10
  • Total
  • 138
Credit
5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
A report on a given topic is handed in one week after the course
Exam registration requirements

Participation in 75% of the activities

Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
One internal examiner
Re-exam

The reexamination will be the same as the ordinary examination: A report on a given topic is handed in.

If the student doesn't fulfill the exam registration requirements - participation in 75% of the activities - the reexamination is the following: A report on a given topic is handed in and 30 min. oral examination in curriculum of the course.

Criteria for exam assesment

Please refer to the learning outcome