Provide students with the fundamental principles and theories 
utilized in the science of plant breeding and cultivar 
development and the role plant breeding plays in crop 
improvement.

1. Selection of crop species, planning objectives, and 
background information. 
	Role of plant breeding in agriculture

2. Mode of reproduction
Gene action, G X E, heritability, and genetic gain
Mass selection and recurrent selection
Inbreeding and heterosis
Polyploidy
	Biotechnology methods

3. Collection and development of parents and parental 
populations 
Parent selection
Plant introduction and genetic diversity. 
Population formation

4. Selection and breeding to develop advanced, experimental 
germplasm. 
Screening and screening procedures
Breeding for pest resistance
Backcrossing
Mutation breeding
Inbreeding procedures
Development of self-pollinated cultivars
Development of open-pollinated and synthetic cultivars
Development of hybrid cultivars
Development of asexually propagated cultivars
	Development of multiline and blend cultivars

5. Testing of advanced, elite lines and experimental cultivars. 
	Field plot techniques

6. Release and dissemination of the most superior germplasm(s) 
as a cultivar. 
Release procedures and naming of improved cultivars
Distribution and marketing of improved cultivars
Plant Patenting and Plant Variety Protection
Seed Certification and Seed Laws