Agriculture

Training Course on Plant Genetics, Breeding, and Biotechnology for Crop Improvement

Introduction

Training Course on Plant Genetics, Breeding, and Biotechnology for Crop Improvement is designed to equip agricultural professionals, researchers, and policymakers with the latest tools and scientific knowledge in crop enhancement. In today’s climate-challenged agricultural environment, modern plant breeding techniques and biotechnological innovations are vital for developing high-yielding, resilient, and nutritionally superior crop varieties. This course will explore cutting-edge concepts including molecular breeding, CRISPR gene editing, genomic selection, and sustainable biotechnology practices.

Participants will gain hands-on experience and scientific insights into DNA marker-assisted selection, genomic tools, trait discovery, and hybrid development to revolutionize productivity. With a strong emphasis on genome engineering, biotech regulation, and agroecological adaptation, the course also highlights real-world case studies, innovations in gene mapping, and the socio-economic impact of plant biotechnology. This course is essential for those aiming to lead in the field of agricultural biotechnology, crop improvement, and food security enhancement.

Programme Curriculum

Training Course on Plant Genetics, Breeding, and Biotechnology for Crop Improvement

Introduction

Objectives

Understand the fundamentals of plant genetics and inheritance mechanisms.
Explore the principles of conventional and molecular breeding techniques.
Gain proficiency in DNA marker technologies and gene mapping.
Apply genomic selection and predictive breeding models.
Assess the role of CRISPR and genome editing in crop improvement.
Learn the use of biotechnology in enhancing crop resistance to diseases and pests.
Analyze the ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks governing GMO crops.
Evaluate bioinformatics tools in plant breeding and genetic analysis.
Investigate the impact of climate-smart breeding on food systems.
Design breeding programs that promote agrobiodiversity and resilience.
Interpret case studies of successful crop biotechnology programs.
Integrate data-driven approaches into modern crop breeding pipelines.
Promote sustainable and inclusive adoption of biotechnological innovations in agriculture.

Target Audiences

Plant Breeders and Geneticists
Agricultural Research Scientists
Biotechnology Experts
Agronomists and Crop Scientists
Seed Industry Professionals
Agricultural Extension Officers
Graduate Students in Plant Science
Policy Makers in Agriculture and Food Security

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Fundamentals of Plant Genetics

Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance
Chromosome behavior and genetic variation
DNA structure, replication, and gene expression
Epigenetics in plant systems
Genetic mapping and QTL analysis
Case Study: Inheritance of rust resistance in wheat

Module 2: Principles of Plant Breeding

Breeding objectives and methods
Hybridization techniques
Backcross and recurrent selection
Participatory plant breeding
Breeding for biotic and abiotic stress
Case Study: Development of drought-tolerant maize in Sub-Saharan Africa

Module 3: Biotechnology in Crop Improvement

Genetic engineering and transgenic crops
RNAi and gene silencing
Plant tissue culture and micropropagation
Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer
Safety and risk assessment of biotech crops
Case Study: Bt cotton adoption in India

Module 4: Molecular Markers and Genomics

Types of DNA markers (SSR, SNP, AFLP)
Marker-assisted selection (MAS)
Genotyping platforms and genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
Functional genomics and transcriptomics
Marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC)
Case Study: Use of SNP markers in rice breeding

Module 5: Genome Editing Technologies

Introduction to CRISPR-Cas9
TALENs and ZFNs applications
Off-target effects and regulatory issues
Precision breeding vs conventional breeding
Applications in disease resistance and quality traits
Case Study: CRISPR-edited tomato for shelf-life extension

Module 6: Bioinformatics and Data Management

Genome databases and sequence retrieval
Gene annotation and comparative genomics
Breeding data management software
Genomic prediction and selection tools
Integrating phenotypic and genotypic data
Case Study: Bioinformatics for wheat genome analysis

Module 7: Climate-Smart Breeding and Sustainability

Breeding for heat and drought tolerance
Carbon-smart crop improvement
Nutritional biofortification strategies
Use of wild relatives and landraces
Sustainable seed systems and scalability
Case Study: Iron-biofortified pearl millet in India

Module 8: Policy, Ethics, and Adoption

National and international biotech regulations
Intellectual property rights in plant breeding
Public perception and communication strategies
Ethical implications of GMOs and gene editing
Ensuring equitable access to biotech innovations
Case Study: Regulation of GM maize in Kenya

Training Methodology

Interactive lectures using multimedia tools
Hands-on laboratory and field exercises
Group discussions and brainstorming sessions
Expert guest presentations and panel discussions
Case-based learning with real-world examples
Evaluation through quizzes, assignments, and practicals

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Programme Fee

Duration: 5 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $1,000

Physical Price: $1,500

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 23 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $1,000