Developing the Next Generation of Neoclassical Plant Breeders
Grant
Overview
abstract
There is a looming shortage of trained plant breeders to develop new cultivars to prevent food shortages in the 21st century. These plant breeders will need to have the skills to run a field-based classical plant breeding program as well as the knowledge to utilize the new molecular techniques available to increase the efficiency of cultivar development. This project proposes to train such individuals by providing experiential-learning in the field in all aspects of a wheat breeding program and in the laboratory in the use of molecular markers and genetic transformation for wheat improvement. Through this project Master's level plant breeders will be produced with the training and knowledge to have an immediate impact in a private or public plant breeding program insuring the continued development of new cultivars to feed the people of the
United States and the world in the future.