Woody Plant Biotechnology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course will provide the knowledge about the application of molecular genetics techniques to identify target genes in the all the sectors of woody plants (fruit trees, ornamental trees, forest trees and bioenergy dedicated trees), for enhancing plant characteristics and fitness. Particular attention will be paid to the identification of genes involved in the response of woody plants to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Expected learning outcomes
After passing the exam, the student:
- will have acquired knowledge of biotechnological techniques for identifying target genes;
- will be able to set up an experiment for woody species;
- will be able to choose the most suitable biotechnological applications for the identification of key genes to improve the characteristics of woody plants;
- will have acquired a correct and adequate scientific vocabulary.
- will have acquired knowledge of biotechnological techniques for identifying target genes;
- will be able to set up an experiment for woody species;
- will be able to choose the most suitable biotechnological applications for the identification of key genes to improve the characteristics of woody plants;
- will have acquired a correct and adequate scientific vocabulary.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Overview on woody plants. Breeding concept. Objectives of breeding. Conventional and Genetic engineering breeding. Workflow of breeding programs. Pre-breeding and gene pyramiding. Limitation to Genetic engineering breeding in woody plants (0.5 ECTS).
Overview on genetic diversity. Methods to measure the genetic diversity (molecular markers, GBS). Major determinants in genetic diversity (0.5 ECTS).
Overview on methods to identify pathway and genes associated with phenotypical traits (GWAS, QTL, genomic selection, comparative genomics omics approaches, such as genomics, transcriptomics, ionomics, metabolomics, phenomics) (0.5 ECTS).
Overview on methods to exploit genes and gene variants (plant transformation, genome editing, RNA interference, haploid and double aploid plants, protoplast transformation, somatic embryos) (0.5 ECTS).
Breeding approaches on grapevine (resistance to diseases and drought) (0.75 ECTS). Breeding approaches on citrus (seedless cultivars, aroma, nutraceutical properties) (0.75 ECTS).
Breeding approaches on peach (peache vs nectarine, fruit shape, melting, texture, acidity, chilling requirements and bloom date) (0.75 ECTS).
Breeding approaches on apples (texture, resistance to fire blight disease and powdery mildew, flech oxidation) (0.75 ECTS).
Laboratory (RNA extraction and quantification, cDNA synthesis, real-time PCR and data analysis) and computational activities (simulation of GWAS data analysis) (1 ECTS).
Overview on genetic diversity. Methods to measure the genetic diversity (molecular markers, GBS). Major determinants in genetic diversity (0.5 ECTS).
Overview on methods to identify pathway and genes associated with phenotypical traits (GWAS, QTL, genomic selection, comparative genomics omics approaches, such as genomics, transcriptomics, ionomics, metabolomics, phenomics) (0.5 ECTS).
Overview on methods to exploit genes and gene variants (plant transformation, genome editing, RNA interference, haploid and double aploid plants, protoplast transformation, somatic embryos) (0.5 ECTS).
Breeding approaches on grapevine (resistance to diseases and drought) (0.75 ECTS). Breeding approaches on citrus (seedless cultivars, aroma, nutraceutical properties) (0.75 ECTS).
Breeding approaches on peach (peache vs nectarine, fruit shape, melting, texture, acidity, chilling requirements and bloom date) (0.75 ECTS).
Breeding approaches on apples (texture, resistance to fire blight disease and powdery mildew, flech oxidation) (0.75 ECTS).
Laboratory (RNA extraction and quantification, cDNA synthesis, real-time PCR and data analysis) and computational activities (simulation of GWAS data analysis) (1 ECTS).
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge on botany woody plants and molecular biology.
Teaching methods
The course will incorporate a combination of teacher-led and student-centered strategies to enhance learning. Key teaching methods include:
Lectures: Traditional lectures to introduce and explain key concepts.
Worked Examples: Step-by-step demonstrations of problem-solving to reinforce understanding.
Case-Based Learning: Real-world scenarios will be used to apply theoretical knowledge.
Project-Based Learning: Students will work on projects to explore topics in-depth and apply course content.
Laboratory: Practical, hands-on sessions to develop technical skills.
Interactive tools for enhancing engagement in education will be used, such as Wooclap, as well as JoVE, a visual journal that helps in learning and sharing scientific techniques through video.
Additionally, academic and/or industry experts will be invited for guest lectures. The course may also include teaching visits, workshops, seminars, or symposiums to provide further exposure to real-world applications.
Lectures: Traditional lectures to introduce and explain key concepts.
Worked Examples: Step-by-step demonstrations of problem-solving to reinforce understanding.
Case-Based Learning: Real-world scenarios will be used to apply theoretical knowledge.
Project-Based Learning: Students will work on projects to explore topics in-depth and apply course content.
Laboratory: Practical, hands-on sessions to develop technical skills.
Interactive tools for enhancing engagement in education will be used, such as Wooclap, as well as JoVE, a visual journal that helps in learning and sharing scientific techniques through video.
Additionally, academic and/or industry experts will be invited for guest lectures. The course may also include teaching visits, workshops, seminars, or symposiums to provide further exposure to real-world applications.
Teaching Resources
Lecture slides and scientific articles. Teaching materials are available on MyAriel.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final oral examination, lasting approximately 30 minutes, requires students to submit and present a research project on a self-chosen topic. Students must submit their research project to the professor no later than 15 days before the scheduled examination date. During the exam, students will present their project using a PowerPoint presentation.
The research project will be evaluated on a scale of 0 to 10. After the presentation, the student will be asked two questions related to topics covered in the course. Each response will be graded on a scale of 0 to 10. The final score, expressed in thirtieths, will be calculated based on the sum of the scores from the research project and the answers to the two questions. To take the oral examination, students must register by the deadlines set through the Unimia institutional platform.
Evaluation criteria: Knowledge of theoretical and practical contents. Autonomy in choosing the most appropriate methodological investigation for a given plant problem. Acquisition of specialist terminology related to the discipline. Adequate level of communication skills. Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
The research project will be evaluated on a scale of 0 to 10. After the presentation, the student will be asked two questions related to topics covered in the course. Each response will be graded on a scale of 0 to 10. The final score, expressed in thirtieths, will be calculated based on the sum of the scores from the research project and the answers to the two questions. To take the oral examination, students must register by the deadlines set through the Unimia institutional platform.
Evaluation criteria: Knowledge of theoretical and practical contents. Autonomy in choosing the most appropriate methodological investigation for a given plant problem. Acquisition of specialist terminology related to the discipline. Adequate level of communication skills. Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
AGR/03 - ARBORICULTURE AND FRUITCULTURE - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
De Lorenzis Gabriella
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
De Lorenzis GabriellaProfessor(s)
Reception:
by appointment
via Celoria, 2 - Edificio 10