Next-generation education in crop genetics

Eyal Fridman; Dani Zamir

doi:10.1016/j.pbi.2012.03.013

Next-generation education in crop genetics

Curr Opin Plant Biol. 2012 Apr;15(2):218-23. doi: 10.1016/j.pbi.2012.03.013. Epub 2012 Apr 2.

Authors

Eyal Fridman¹, Dani Zamir

Affiliation

¹ The RH Smith Institute of Plant Science and Genetics in Agriculture, The RH Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel. fridmane@agri.huji.ac.il

PMID: 22475788
DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2012.03.013

Abstract

Today, plant breeders are being met with new opportunities to develop superior varieties. Fruitful genetic research into populations with novel diversity using genotyping by sequencing combined with genotype-to-phenotype bioinformatics has generated much knowledge that is directly relevant to crop improvement. These advances can assist the breeders in associating genetic makeup with traits of commercial value. The greatest challenge now is to find ways to attract the best young people to work in plant breeding for its innovation, open field experience and ability to support food security. We discuss the need, opportunities and conflicts associated with revamping plant breeding teaching programs to bridge the art and science of this profession with a rapidly expanding job market.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Breeding
Crops, Agricultural / genetics*
Genetics / education*
Plants / genetics*