HRT 362: Applied Crop Improvement

Course Code: HRT 362

Credits and Offerings

1 credit (3 lecture hours per week)
Spring semester of every year - weeks 6 through 10 of the semester only

Course Description

It is estimated that we will have to feed an extra 2 billion people by 2050 and to achieve this goal, crop yields will have to double. At the same time, climate change will alter growing regions and resources such as fertile land, water, and nutrient inputs will be limiting. Research in basic and applied plant sciences is of fundamental importance in feeding the world population. Modern day crop plants were domesticated from wild ancestors and have undergone selection to improve yield, architecture, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, nutrient content and flavor. Plant breeders have been instrumental in developing new crop varieties with increased yields and improved quality that help to reduce hunger. Applied Crop Improvement teaches the basic principles of genetics and plant breeding and provides students with insight into what plant breeders do through exposure to several MSU plant breeding programs.