Plant Breeding and Seed Supply

1. Training Introduction

Plant breeding and seed supply are central to enhancing crop productivity, ensuring food security, and supporting sustainable agriculture. This training focuses on modern and traditional plant breeding techniques, quality seed production, and effective seed distribution systems. Participants will gain practical skills to develop improved crop varieties, manage seed systems, and ensure the availability of high-quality seeds for farmers.

The Plant Breeding and Seed Supply Training by FOTADE TRRDC combines theory, laboratory work, and field practice to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective breeding programs and seed supply chains.

 

2. Training Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Provide an understanding of plant breeding principles, techniques, and strategies.
• Equip participants with skills for quality seed production, storage, and distribution.
• Enhance capacity to select and develop high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient crop varieties.
• Introduce participants to seed certification, regulatory frameworks, and quality control.
• Promote sustainable and community-based seed supply systems.
• Enable participants to design and manage plant breeding and seed programs for smallholder farmers and commercial agriculture.

 

3. Targeted Group

This training is suitable for:

• Agricultural scientists, researchers, and educators
• Seed company personnel and agripreneurs
• Extension officers and agricultural development practitioners
• Students in agriculture, horticulture, and related fields
• Community-based seed producers and cooperative leaders
• Policy makers and NGO staff involved in agricultural development

 

4. Course Duration

• Total Duration: 4 Weeks (16 Modules; 4 Modules per week)
• Contact Hours: 48–60 hours
• Delivery Mode: Hybrid (In-person and Online/Virtual)
• Schedule: Flexible for professionals, farmers, and students

 

5. Training Methodology

The programme employs participatory and hands-on learning approaches, including:

• Expert-led lectures and presentations
• Laboratory exercises in seed and plant genetics
• Field visits to breeding programs and seed production farms
• Group discussions, problem-solving, and case studies
• Practical exercises in seed selection, multiplication, and quality assessment
• Action planning for breeding and seed system management
• Exposure to regulatory, certification, and community seed programs

 

6. Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Plant Breeding

• History, importance, and objectives of plant breeding
• Types of breeding (traditional and modern)
• Role of breeding in food security

Module 2: Genetic Principles for Breeding

• Mendelian genetics, heredity, and variation
• Genetic diversity and trait inheritance
• Gene-environment interaction

Module 3: Breeding Methods for Self-Pollinated Crops

• Pure-line selection, mass selection
• Pedigree breeding and backcrossing
• Advantages and limitations

Module 4: Breeding Methods for Cross-Pollinated Crops

• Hybrid breeding, synthetic varieties
• Population improvement methods
• Case studies and examples

Module 5: Molecular Plant Breeding Techniques

• Marker-assisted selection
• Genomics and biotechnological tools
• Applications in developing disease-resistant varieties

Module 6: Plant Variety Development and Release

• Variety evaluation and testing
• Registration and release procedures
• Participatory plant breeding approaches

Module 7: Seed Production Principles

• Seed multiplication techniques
• Seed certification and quality control
• Foundation, registered, and certified seeds

Module 8: Seed Harvesting, Processing, and Storage

• Harvest timing and handling
• Cleaning, drying, and treatment of seeds
• Proper storage conditions for longevity

Module 9: Seed Quality Testing and Certification

• Germination and viability testing
• Purity, moisture, and health assessment
• National and international seed standards

Module 10: Community-Based Seed Systems

• Farmer seed networks and cooperatives
• Local seed multiplication and distribution
• Strengthening community resilience

Module 11: Seed Marketing and Distribution

• Seed supply chains and market analysis
• Branding, packaging, and labeling
• Linking farmers with markets

Module 12: Crop Improvement for Stress Tolerance

• Breeding for drought, salinity, and heat tolerance
• Pest and disease resistance breeding
• Climate-smart variety development

Module 13: Biotechnology in Plant Breeding

• Genetic engineering and transgenic crops
• Tissue culture and micropropagation
• Molecular tools in seed improvement

Module 14: Record Keeping and Data Management

• Field and breeding program documentation
• Seed lot tracking and traceability
• Use of databases in plant breeding

Module 15: Regulatory Framework and Intellectual Property

• Seed laws and regulations
• Intellectual property rights for new varieties
• Ethical considerations in breeding

Module 16: Practical Project – Breeding and Seed Action Plan

• Designing a crop breeding and seed production program
• Hands-on field and laboratory exercises
• Presentation, peer review, and evaluation

 

7. Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Apply plant breeding techniques to develop improved crop varieties.
• Produce, process, and manage high-quality seeds effectively.
• Implement participatory and community-based seed supply systems.
• Monitor and evaluate seed quality and breeding program outcomes.
• Use biotechnology and molecular tools to enhance breeding efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and intellectual property rights.
• Design actionable plant breeding and seed system projects for smallholder and commercial agriculture.

 

8. Certificate of Completion

Participants who complete all 16 modules, actively participate in laboratory and field exercises, and submit their Breeding and Seed Action Plan will receive:

🎓 Certificate of Completion in Plant Breeding and Seed Supply

Issued by: FOTADE Training, Research and Resource Development Centre (FOTADE TRRDC)

This certificate validates participants’ competence in plant breeding, seed production, and supply management, qualifying them for roles in research, extension, seed companies, and agricultural development projects.