Genetic variation is the driving force behind crop plant breeding efforts; and, in this course, students learn the importance of creating the necessary genetic resources variation for conventional and modern plant breeding programs and about the world's great centers of crop diversity, where plant breeders obtain germplasm and genes from cultivated plants and their wild relatives. Modern biotechnology and its ability to move genes from one species to another are discussed as the newest way to create genetic variation. The origin of crops and how crop ancestors have co-evolved with many crop diseases and plants are highlighted. This course can be taken individually or as the second of three modules in Plant Breeding (Module 1: Self-Pollinated Crop Breeding, Module 3: Cross-Pollinated Crop Breeding).

The target audience is the college graduate level learner and agriculture professionals.

Teachers include: P. Stephen Baenziger, Leah Sandall, Diane Nolan

For more information or to enroll contact Kathy Schindler at kschindler1@unl.edu or 402-472-1730