Introduction to Plant Breeding Learning Activity: Soybean

Abstract

This activity discusses the basic process used in a traditional breeding program. Crossing, genetic variation, selection and elements of DNA technology are discussed within this activity. The material is aimed toward high school or introductory life science undergraduate students. There is a quiz based “breeder's notebook” feature, which gives students opportunities to apply their new knowledge in other scenarios. At the completion of this activity students should be able to: State the expected number of years it takes to develop a cultivar in plant breeding programs and explain why it takes that long. Define the words homozygous, heterozygous, genotype, and phenotype. Identify flower structures and explain what role they play in plant reproduction. Understand how genes from each parent are inherited. Explain what molecular markers are and how they are used in a breeding program. Identify at what point in the program the breeder works with the most genotypic variation. Identify at what point in the program a breeder plants lines in the most locations. Teachers can use the activity to supplement their teaching strategies. It is also useful for graduate students and extension audiences wanting a refresher on the basic steps of soybean breeding. It is available free of charge for educational use.