NPLK16002U Crop Innovation – from Genes to Seeds
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.
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
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.
• 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
As
an exchange, guest and credit student - click here!
Continuing Education - click here!
- Credit
- 5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written assignmentA 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
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NPLK16002U
- Credit
- 5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- Placement
- Summer
- Schedule
- Teaching will start July 4th, week 27
Intensive summer course, incl. a one day excursion in one of the weekends. - Course capacity
- max 25
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Natural Resources and Environment
Contracting department
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Course responsibles
- Svend Christensen (3-83867350807c757e3e7b853e747b)