August 9 & 10, 2023
9 am – 3 pm each day
Goodding Learning Center
280 Plant Sciences Hall
Department of Agronomy & Horticulture
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Instructor(s): Blaine Johnson
What: A Workshop/Field Day designed to provide a view of the structure and essential components of a hybrid breeding program. The Workshop component of the event is used to define basic hybrid breeding terminology and to describe the overall structure and components of a hybrid breeding program. The Field Day component consists of time spent in the UNL maize breeding nursery where participants see how the described components translate into actual breeding materials contained in a plant breeding nursery. The Workshop/Field has a strong industry perspective, based upon the maize breeding model.
Why? There are many individuals actively involved in plant breeding and genetic research who are never exposed to the “end-to-end” holistic process of breeding a hybrid crop. Indeed, there are many complexities that are integral to hybrid breeding, ranging from terminology to nursery logistics. Hence, this Workshop/Field Day is designed to give the non-hybrid breeder an overview of the structure and complexity of a comprehensive hybrid breeding program for which the end goal is release or commercialization of a genetically improved hybrid genotype.
For Whom? Anyone who has an interest in plant breeding and wants to extend his/her knowledge in hybrid breeding. While topics covered are largely introductory, it is assumed that participants have had minimal exposure to plant genetics and plant breeding albeit either courses or practical experience. There is, however, no stringent requirement on level of background knowledge or expertise of workshop participants and interested individuals should contact the Workshop Leads should there be questions on background and participation.
Workshop Leads:
- Blaine Johnson, Professor of Practice-Teaching, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, UNL
- Lorena Dumbá, Intern, Hybrid Breeding and Teaching, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, UNL