Training Course on Biotechnology in Agriculture and Food Security for Plant Breeders

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Molecular Biology and Plant Genetics for Breeders

ü  DNA, RNA, Proteins: Structure and Function

ü  Gene Expression and Regulation

ü  Chromosomes, Genes, and Alleles

ü  Principles of Inheritance and Quantitative Genetics

ü  Practical Session: Reviewing fundamental molecular biology concepts through interactive diagrams and quizzes.

Module 2: Genomic Tools and Resources for Plant Breeding

ü  Overview of Plant Genomes and Sequencing Technologies

ü  Publicly Available Genomic Databases and Tools

ü  Comparative Genomics and Synteny

ü  High-Throughput Phenotyping and Genotyping

ü  Practical Session: Navigating a public plant genome database to locate genes of interest.

Module 3: Gene Editing Technologies (CRISPR, TALENs, ZFNs)

ü  Mechanisms of Gene Editing: Targeted Mutagenesis and Gene Insertion

ü  Focus on CRISPR-Cas9 System: Components and Applications

ü  Designing Guide RNAs for Targeted Edits

ü  Applications in Crop Improvement (e.g., disease resistance, yield traits)

ü  Practical Session: Designing a simple guide RNA sequence for a hypothetical gene edit in a crop plant.

Module 4: Molecular Markers and Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS)

ü  Types of Molecular Markers (SSR, SNP, DArT) and Their Properties

ü  Principles of Linkage Mapping and Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Mapping

ü  Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) Strategies in Breeding Programs

ü  Marker-Assisted Backcrossing and Pyramiding

ü  Practical Session: Analyzing simulated genotyping data to identify molecular markers linked to a desired trait.

Module 5: Genetic Engineering and Transgenic Crop Development

ü  Principles of Genetic Transformation in Plants (Agrobacterium, Gene Gun)

ü  Construct Design for Transgene Expression

ü  Selection of Transgenic Events

ü  Applications in Crop Improvement (e.g., herbicide tolerance, insect resistance)

ü  Practical Session: Discussing the steps involved in developing a genetically engineered crop from a donor gene to a transgenic plant.

Module 6: Plant Tissue Culture and Regeneration Techniques

ü  Principles of Plant Cell and Tissue Culture

ü  Callus Induction, Organogenesis, and Somatic Embryogenesis

ü  Micropropagation for Mass Production

ü  Role of Tissue Culture in Genetic Transformation

ü  Practical Session: Demonstrating basic sterile techniques and media preparation for plant tissue culture.

Module 7: Bioinformatics for Plant Breeders

ü  Introduction to Bioinformatics Tools and Databases

ü  Sequence Alignment and Primer Design

ü  Phylogenetic Analysis for Genetic Diversity

ü  Data Management and Analysis for Breeding Programs

ü  Practical Session: Using an online tool to perform a basic DNA sequence alignment.

Module 8: Intellectual Property Rights and Regulatory Frameworks

ü  Plant Breeders' Rights and Patents in Biotechnology

ü  Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) under the Nagoya Protocol

ü  National Biosafety Regulations and Guidelines

ü  International Regulatory Landscape for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

ü  Practical Session: Discussing a hypothetical scenario involving intellectual property rights for a newly developed crop variety.

Module 9: Public Acceptance, Biosafety, and Ethical Considerations

ü  Public Perception of Agricultural Biotechnology

ü  Biosafety Assessment of Genetically Engineered Crops

ü  Ethical Debates in Plant Genetic Engineering

ü  Effective Communication about Biotechnology

ü  Practical Session: Engaging in a debate or discussion on the ethical implications of a specific biotechnological application in agriculture.

Module 10: Role of Biotechnology in Food Security and Future Agriculture

ü  Biotechnology for Enhanced Yield and Nutritional Content (Biofortification)

ü  Developing Climate-Resilient Crops (Drought, Heat, Salinity Tolerance)

ü  Reducing Pesticide Use through Biotech Solutions

ü  Future Prospects and Challenges for Biotechnology in Agriculture

ü  Practical Session: Identifying key food security challenges and brainstorming how biotechnology could offer solutions.

About Our Trainers

Our trainers are leading experts in plant breeding and agricultural biotechnology, with extensive experience in both fundamental research and practical crop improvement programs. They include university professors, senior scientists from national and international agricultural research institutes, and industry professionals from seed and biotech companies. Many have direct experience in developing new crop varieties using conventional and modern biotechnological tools. Their deep scientific knowledge, combined with their practical breeding experience, ensures that participants receive rigorous, up-to-date, and highly relevant training.

Quality Statement

We are committed to delivering high-quality training programs that provide tangible value to our participants and their organizations. Our courses are meticulously designed, continuously updated with the latest scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and regulatory developments in agricultural biotechnology, and delivered by expert trainers. We strive to create an interactive and supportive learning environment that fosters knowledge acquisition, skill development, and professional growth.

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free
2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.
5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.
2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.
3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.
2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.
3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202