Ecological and evolutionary plant breeding for sustainability - Concepts of Darwinian Agriculture

15 - 21 July 2024
Institut Agro Montpellier

Venue

2 place Pierre Viala. 34000 Montpellier, France

Background of Summer School / Introduction

The summer school is an introduction into the key concepts, theories, and cutting-edge techniques in Darwinian Agriculture and plant breeding, and its potential applications in contemporary agricultural practices. It delves into the domain of agroecology, outlining its fundamental concepts, and highlighting the intricate interrelationship between ecology and genetics.

Maximum numbers of participants

max. 30
Priority will be given to students from  ELLS Universities. However, in the event of available slots, non-ELLS students will also be considered.

Pre-requisites

PhD and MSc students in plant breeding, ecology and plant sciences with basic knowledge in genetics, plant breeding and statistics.

Course Content

Key concepts introduced in the course are plant ideotypes and social traits. It will provide insights into phenomena such as shadowing avoidance, kin recognition, and discrimination in plants, along with exploration of theories and examples of individual and group selection, as well as competition versus cooperation in plants and their effects on plant health, growth and crop production.

Furthermore, the course elaborates on plant interactions, detailing mostly intraspecific interactions between plants and introducing interspecific interactions between plants and their mutualists, symbionts, herbivores and pathogens through illustrative case studies.

Theoretical modeling using game theory is utilized to conceptualize the relationship between ecology and evolution in the context of plant breeding. The application of game theory for modeling plant interactions and social traits is elucidated, with practical computer labs supplementing theoretical understanding through computational analysis of game theory models.

The design of genetic mapping and breeding methods that target these traits relevant for sustainable agriculture is a core focus of the course. This includes methods for genetic mapping and design of breeding programs that account for ecological and evolutionary interactions among plants, but also with other organismal groups.

Practical labs enable participants to design breeding schemes that incorporate social traits and interactions, and analyze experimental breeding trials. A practical work on the notion of the common good is carried out on iron nutrition in Arabidopsis, following an experimental plan set up by the students themselves to explore in concrete terms plant interactions in the exploitation of a common resource.

Finally, the societal relevance and sustainability of Darwinian Agriculture is addressed. The potential of these novel approaches to plant breeding to foster sustainable farming practices is emphasized. Open discussions around the societal impacts and the future prospects of Darwinian Agriculture are facilitated.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

After completing the course, the participants should be able to

• value different possibilities for digitalization in plant breeding
• perform analysis of large data sets for digital breeding
• gain skills on how to interpret data from analytical results and how to perform breeding decisions.

Course Schedule

Online asynchronous lectures (may 15th to June 15th) - 20 h of student work

+ 1 or 2 synchronous online lectures (to be scheduled before June 15th)
+ 6 days presential from Monday, July 15th to Saturday July 20th incl.

Course Language

English

Course Format/Teaching Methods

Lectures, serious games, computer work, lab activities and hands-on practical work, visits and social interaction are organized to 1) give enough time to digest concepts 2) to learn by doing practical things, 3) to promote social interaction through fun interaction and encouragement to communicate within and between groups.
Active pedagogy will be intensely used, encouraging resolving challenges by the students themselves.

Assessment of course participants will be based on coursework, a practical computer/experimental lab report, and a final presentation to students' peers.

ECTS Credits and Workload overview

 

Number of Credits [ECTS]	3
Total workload [hours]	75
Student's own work [hours]	39
Contact classes [hours]	33
Exam [hours]	3

 

Type of Assessment and Assessment Criteria

• course week: attendance and engaged participation during the online class, the excursions, classroom lectures, and laboratory classes
• group work: poster presentation in Montpellier, prepared in groups and graded by the teachers
• individual work: multiple choice test at the end of the course

Cultural Activities / Social Program

• Welcome reception
• Manade dinner in Camargue
• Montpellier city tour

Tuition Fees

No tuition fees

Additional Costs

2 group dinners, lunches and coffee breaks are included, to foster a sense of community and shared experiences. However, travel expenses, housing, breakfast and the other dinners are not included.

Accommodation

453 € (sheets included).

Health Insurance

Participants are responsible for an adequate health insurance during their participation in the programme.

Visa

If support letters are needed, contact the administrative contact person below.

Application Deadline

Extended dealine for application 30 April 2024

Erasmus Scholarship Opportunity:

The summer school is structured as a comprehensive Erasmus+ blended intensive program, incorporating both online and on-site components.Participation in both segments is mandatory. If interested, you can inquire with your Erasmus coordinator or the ELLS IRO about the possibility of obtaining an Erasmus scholarship for the Blended
Intensive Programme (BIP).

Contact persons for scientific questions

Jacques David, jacques.david@supagro.fr

Karl Schmid, karl.schmid@uni-hohenheim.de

Contact person for administrative questions

Alejandra Beceiro, alejandra.beceiro-madrid@supagro.fr