DCP2201 Introduction to Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement

This module seeks to enlighten the students on the different aspects of plant genetics, different approaches to crop improvement, and seed production technologies.

Course objectives

• To describe Mendel’s laws of plant breeding as a basis of plant genetics
• To explain the different methods of crop improvement.
• To explain sexual and asexual methods of propagation
• To describe how to produce quality/certified seeds for production

Learning outcomes
At the end of this course the student should be able to:

• Describe and work out Mendel’s experiments on plant breeding
• Understand and apply the concept of plant genetics and crop improvement
• Perform crop improvement techniques (crossing, tissue culture, grafting) to enhance crop traits
• Differentiate the different classes of seeds
• Produce and maintain quality seeds for planting