The Plant Breeding Academy is a professional development course organized by the Seed Biotechnology Center at UC Davis teach the principles of plant breeding to seed industry personnel. This two-year course addresses the reduced numbers of plant breeders being trained in academic programs. Participants meet for six sessions over two years. Readings and exercises continue between sessions via internet to allow participants to maintain their current positions while being involved in the course.
Course goal: This course develops the skills and abilities of current industry personnel to enable them to become independent breeders or more valuable contributors to larger breeding programs.
Who should attend? The course is targeted toward personnel currently involved in plant breeding programs who lack the academic background in genetics theory and practice to advance as independent breeders. Current breeders who desire a refresher course or would like to broaden their expertise would also be potential participants.
For background information see Academic Training of Plant Breeders No Longer Meets Demand, Seed World, Jan 2006
For more information, contact Joy Patterson at jpatterson@ucdavis.edu.