8-week course, offered in the second half of the Fall semester yearly

This course is designed to introduce students from non-agricultural backgrounds to basics in agronomy, particularly targeting graduate students in crop genetic improvement from previous general science and math majors.  Students will be provided with foundational aspects in 8 key topics related to crop production, soil fertility, and pest management, the agricultural value chain, and end use of harvested materials.  For each topic, a faculty expert in the given area will present the ‘big picture’ view and suggest additional references to direct students to further, more in-depth information on their own.  Primary attention will be given to production of row crops, especially corn and soybeans, but other crops may also be highlighted.

The science of global atmospheric and climate change in the 21st Century. Understanding of how plants, including crops, will respond and may be adapted to these changes. Using plants to ameliorate predicted climate change. Same as IB 440 and NRES 431. Prerequisite: CPSC 112 or IB 103.

Genetic and cytological variation in crop plants; the production and control of such variation in developing varieties and hybrids; and the maintenance of high quality seed stocks. Same as HORT 453. Prerequisite: IB 103; CPSC 352 or equivalent.

Discussion of the application of current scientific tools and methods available to plant breeders for improving plants; emphasis on actual use of plant breeding methods and production of high quality seed. Offered summer only in alternate years. Prerequisite: CPSC 453.

Methodology, objectives, and constraints of breeding for improved cultivars of flowers, woody ornamentals, turfgrasses, fruits, and vegetables. Emphasis on breeding objectives unique to horticultural commodities such as color, appearance, flavor, shelf-life, nutritional value, and other characteristics that determine product quality. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: CPSC 352.

Survey, description, and applications of cell and tissue culture strategies for plant research and production. Topics include culture environment, media composition, tissue manipulation, organogenesis, embryogenesis, somatic hybridization, bioreactors and use of these techniques for plant propagation and physiological and biochemical research. Independent research project is conducted by each student. Same as CPSC 482. Prerequisite: CHEM 232 and IB 103.

This course focuses on practical application of plant breeding, genetics, and statistics to devise effective approaches to meet particular breeding goals. Highlighting real life situations and key decisions facing the plant breeder, the course builds upon knowledge of plant breeding methods and quantitative genetic theory. Four specific functional areas, which somewhat reflect divisions of labor in the seed industry, are addressed: population development, population evaluation, trait integration, and product commercialization and supply.

Students will read a diverse group of plant breeding journal articles, will learn skills involved in evaluating a scientific paper, and will discuss articles with plant breeding faculty members. Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 5 hours. Prerequisite: Graduate student status.

Studies the theoretical bases for plant breeding procedures with special emphasis on the relationship between type and source of genetic variability, mode of reproduction, and effectiveness of different selection procedures. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: CPSC 453 and CPSC 540, or equivalent.

IPBC Graduate Internships and Special Projects