Conservation Biotechnology

Objectives

Information available soon.

Program

1. Introduction to Conservation Biotechnology (CB)

1.1. Brief explanation of the main biotechnologies

1.2. Integration of CB in conservation plans

1.3. Importance of CB in the self-sustained use of genetic resources

2. Conservation of germplasm

2.1. Types of germplasm

2.2. Acquisition by exploratory methods and exchange; legal and ethical aspects

2.3. Maintenance in banks: DNA, gametes, clones, seeds; case of dormant and recalcitrant seeds; cryopreservation

2.4. Verification of stability, viability and health control of germplasm

3. Molecular markers used in CB:

3.1. In studies of systemic

3.2. In studies of population genetics

3.3. Applicability of the results to conservation

4. In vitro culture

4.1. Criteria and sampling techniques

4.2. Techniques for establishing crops: disinfection; culture media

4.3. Production, development and acclimation of organisms

4.4. Maintenance and validation of organisms

4.5. Integration of organisms at the final destination

Teaching Methodologies

Teacher centred methods will be used to convey basilar theoretical knowledge, as well as student-centred, active learning methods (AA). Skills will be developed using practical activities in the laboratory and through individual and collaborative activities in the classroom.

Bibliography

Cooper J., L. Lipper & D. Zilberman (eds), 2006. Agricultural Biodiversity and Biotechnology in Economic Development. Springer, New York.

Dodds J. H., 1991. In Vitro Methods for Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources. Springer, Netherlands.

Benson E. (eds), 2002. Plant Conservation Biotechnology. Taylor & Francis, Philadelphia, USA.

Frankham R., J. D. Ballou & D. A. Briscoe, 2010. Introduction to Conservation Genetics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Pence V. C., 2002. In Vitro Collecting Techniques for Germplasm Conservation. International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome.

Smith T. & R. Wayne (eds), 1996. Molecular Genetic Approaches in Conservation. Oxford University Press, USA.

Watson P. & W. V. Holt (eds), 2001. Cryobanking the Genetic Resource: Wildlife Conservation for the Future? Taylor & Francis, New York.