Pre-requisite: 62222 + 62219
The unit allows students to develop skills in both the theoretical and practical aspects of plant breeding. The unit commences with a review of the genetic structure and manipulation of plants. This is followed by a study of the application of modern techniques in molecular biology and genetic engineering to plant breeding. Practical work in the course includes a study of plant breeding strategies, visits to local plant breeding field stations and the isolation of plant genetic material for DNA fingerprinting. During the unit, the history and evolution of several major crops is followed to demonstrate the practical application of many theoretical concepts in plant breeding.