Plant Biotechnology for Biodiversity and Conservation

Recommended Prerequisites

General knowledge of biodiversity, conservation and genetics. 

Teaching Methods

Theoretical and TP classes will be taught in an intensive format. In lectures, students will be presented with general concepts about the role of plant biotechnology in mitigating the loss of biodiversity and in plant conservation. In the theoretical-practical classes, case studies on these subjects will be discussed. Students, divided into groups of 3-4, will carry out a work on a specific topic and will make an oral and written presentation of it. Specialists in biotechnology, biodiversity and conservation will be invited to report their professional and scientific experiences.

Learning Outcomes

Worldwide, many plant species are threatened with extinction because of the gradual disappearance of the terrestrial ecosystems mainly due to anthropic pressure. The worldwide loss of biodiversity, including the loss of landraces and crop wild relatives, is dramatic and climate change is looming as a significant new threat. The objectives of this course are to show how plant biotechnology, can help to solve or mitigate biodiversity and conservation issues, and to assure food production to a rapidly increasing world population.

Skills: Recognize and use concepts and principles of plant biotechnology applied to plant conservation and to reduce biodiversity loss, stimulating systemic thinking.

Students will learn concepts and methods used in plant biotechnology to reduce vulnerability to stresses and supporting more sustainable agro-ecological systems.

Process, interpret and communicate current information on various topics related to Plant Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Conservation.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Impacts of population growth: climate change, loss of biodiversity and food insecurity. Genetic erosion and the role of plant genetic resources in obtaining new varieties. Biotechnology and climate change mitigation. Conservation of traditional varieties. Germplasm banks. In vitro conservation and cryopreservation. Synthetic seeds. Phenotyping, genotyping and DNA banks. Selection assisted by molecular markers (MAS). Sequencing and identification of genes or QTLs (Quantitative Trait Loci) related to productivity. The use of GWAS studies (Genome-Wide Association Studies) in the identification of genes of interest for the improvement and characterization of biodiversity. Genomic editing. Comparison between genomic editing and transgenic plants. The intellectual property rights of plant genetic resources. Case studies on the application of plant biotechnology to conservation and reduction of biodiversity loss.  

Head Lecturer(s)

Jorge Manuel Pataca Leal Canhoto

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 50.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

-Ahuja MR & Ramawat KG (2014). Biotechnology and biodiversity. Springer, Switzerland

- FAO (2012). Synthetic account of the second global plan of action for plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. FAO, Italy.

- FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP (2021). The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2021. Transforming food systems for food security, improved nutrition and affordable healthy diets for all. Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb4474en

- Obembe OO, Ekundayo EO, Okoli AS, Gidado A, Adetunji CO, Ibrahim AB & UBO BE (2022). Agricultural Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Bioresources Conservation and Utilization. CRC Press & Taylor and Francis. London

- Rao R & Corrado G (2018). Plant genetics and biotechnology in biodiversity. Special issue of Diversity MDPI. Basel

- Wihters LA (2016) Biotechnology and Plant Genetic Resources Conservation. Tha Alliance of Biodiversity International and CIAT). AValilable at: https://www.bioversityinternational.org