CALS116 - Hemp Breeding and Selection

Course Description

In this course, you will examine the variety of breeding methods and breeding schemes available to help you alter the traits of your hemp crop. Each of these techniques has particular applications as well as benefits and drawbacks, so it is critical to understand when each technique is most appropriate. Once you have mastered the application of these techniques, you’ll develop a potential breeding plan that is focused on a single trait of interest. In the real world, your lineage will likely need improvement in multiple connected traits, so you will explore different techniques to achieve this more complex goal. Finally, once a breeding trial has been done, you’ll need to evaluate whether or not it is successful. As part of this course, you will use actual data provided by Cornell researchers to evaluate whether or not their breeding trial worked.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

• Hemp Genetics

Faculty Author

Benefits to the Learner

• Devise a plan for the development of different types of cultivars of hemp using appropriate breeding methods
• Analyze the outcomes of phenotypic, genotypic, and recurrent selection techniques to determine the appropriate selection scheme for your hemp breeding program
• Develop a selection protocol for multiple traits of interest that are important targets of genetic improvement for hemp
• Determine the appropriate method to evaluate the success of breeding trials for traits of interest in commercial hemp cultivation

Target Audience

• Horticulturists
• Agronomists
• Plant, seed, and greenhouse technicians
• Growers
• Consultants
• Seed purveyors
• Plant breeders and breeding companies
• Entrepreneurs
• CBD product developers
• Agriculture regulators

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Hemp Genetics and Breeding : Core Courses (Choose All Three)