Developed and managed by the UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center

October 2013

For more information please contact:

Joy Patterson, Program RepresentativeSeed Biotechnology Center

University of California, Davisjpatterson@ucdavis.edu

pba.ucdavis.edu

“A very…rigorous foundational course in plant breeding. All aspects of the discipline are given deep coverage, with professors providing additional personal insight. A small class size ensures every student is given tutor-like attention when needed. The Plant Breeding Academy has, without a doubt, given me powerful tools to tackle virtually any problem I might encounter in my career as a professional plant breeder.” - Adam Dick Plant Breeder,Tomato Solutions

“One of our employees participated in this program and I can definitely say that it is a rigorous and academically excellent program. He learned a huge amount, both on theory and the practice of breeding. In terms of coursework, it prepares people better than a PhD program. When combined with practical, on-the-job training, it gives all of the background one needs to perform the role of a plant breeder. I highly recommend it.” - Ellen LeueDirector of Vegetable Crops, Pan American Seed Co.

“This program has simply exceeded my expectations beyond belief. My plant breeding knowledge has grown several-fold. This was accompanied by seeing a higher level of international plant breeding operations. The individuals, their approaches, thier intellect and friendship have expanded me as an individual and a professional. I am grateful for this opportunity to grow and contribute to society.” - Bill Colfer Plant Breeder, Plant Scienecs, Inc.

“The PBA is the perfect program for those already doing conventional breeding; but lack the academic background and training. This is why I sent Ruby over without hesitation. After two years she is working independently and progressing very well with our breeding work. The best part of the program is that the participants apply what they learn directly to their breeding careers.”

- Anthony Tse Owner, Clover Seed Co. Ltd., Hong Kong

The Plant Breeding AcademySM

Enroll Now for 2014 - 2016 PBA In NumbersThe Academy will begin in September 2014.Don’t miss this special opportunity to join this premium program.

Total number of participants to date: 133Highest degree of participants: 60% BSc, 25% MSc, 15% PhD Number of countries represented: 30 Number of organizations represented: >60

“This course was invaluable to me in that I was able to maintain my full time, great job and gain this knowledge without becoming a full-time student.”

- Peter Martini Plant Breeder, Nunhems

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The Program

Tuition is $23,000 for the two-year program, which can be paid in two annual installments. Tuition includes all course materials, lunches and field trips during the in-residence weeks. Travel, accommodations, and meals outside of class are not included.

The Plant Breeding Academy (PBA) is a premium professional development course established by UC Davis in 2006 to train plant breeders in the seed industry. The PBA is starting its fifth class in 2014 and will celebrate ten years of successful work with plant breeders. The PBA works with breeders having traditional university degrees (BS, MS, PhD) to help them keep up with new areas in crop improvements. Training includes advanced techniques and tools for higher output so plant breeders can be successful in today’s competitive market.

For Professionals The course is targeted toward personnel currently involved in breeding programs who desire additional training in genetics, statis-tics and breeding theory. At the end of the two-year course, participants will have the skills and knowledge to lead and manage an independent plant breeding program.

Curriculum Outline

Breeding goals Genetics Statistics Quantitative genetics Components of genetic variance Heritability, selection theory Population development Heterosis, breeding hybrid crops Breeding systems Selection methods Open pollinated crops Hybrid crops Clonally propagated crops Multiple traits and indirect selection Molecular marker use Population structure Marker assisted selection Integration of genomics in breeding Genotype by environment interaction Breeding for resistance to biotic and abiotic stress Access to germplasm, intellectual property Data management Finishing varieties and seed production

Participants meet at the University of California, Davis for three weeks per year over two years (six sessions). The format allows students to continue their current employment while being involved in the course. The Academy curriculum is a combination of lectures, discussions, practical experience and lab/computer sessions. Homework and exercises are conducted via the internet between sessions.

Course Certificate Program

Prerequisites and Application Knowledge and/or experience equivalent to a Bachelor of Science degree in biology or related field and some experience in plant breeding is expected. A working knowledge of basic genetics and statistics, such as completion of introductory courses in these subjects, is also expected. Only a brief review of these topics is included in the course. Applications may be submitted online at pba.ucdavis.edu.

Tuition

Instructors and Guest LecturersThe core instructors are highly respected academics and plant breeding practitioners. They are experienced teachers, have released commercial varieties, and conduct ground-breaking research in the field of plant breeding. Guest lecturers include prominent geneticists and breeders who work in a wide range of species.

Core Instructors:Dr. Kent Bradford (UC Davis) Dr. Rale Gjuric (UC Davis) Dr. Rita Mumm (Illinois) Dr. Allen Van Deynze (UC Davis) Dr. Todd Wehner (NC State) Guest Lecturers (partial list): Dr. Roger Chetelat (UC Davis) Dr. Jorge Dubcovsky (UC Davis) Dr. Thomas Famula (UC Davis) Dr. Gurdev Khush (UC Davis) Dr. David Stelly (Texas A&M) Dr. Dave Douches (Michigan State University) Dr. Kimberly Garland-Campbell (USDA, WSU) Dr. Andy Walker (UC Davis)

The Plant Breeding AcademySM

The Academy provides training in plant breeding at the post-graduate level. Participants who complete the course may request an offical certificate the University of California, Davis for an additional fee.