FBL 202: Tree Improvement

Subject Ante and Title: FBL 202 Tree Improvement (7.5 Credits)

Subject status:                       Core

Credits rating:                       7.5

Time distribution:

Lectures:                     30 hours

Seminars/Tutorials:      10 hours

Practical:                     10 hours

Assignments:               10 hours

Independent study:     15 hours

Prerequisite: None

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Define key concepts and terminologies used in tree improvement
  2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts of genetics and biotechnology.
  3. Apply the acquired knowledge to manage forest seed stands, seed orchards, species and provenance trials and plus trees.
  4. Conduct tree improvement studies and present appropriately the results

Contents: Basic concepts of genetics. Biotechnology: molecular biology, cell biology, gene transfer, recombinant DNA, DNA isolation and amplification. Tree bio-safety aspects. Tree variation. Selection methods. Genotype and phenotype, genotype x phenotype interaction. Specific and general combining ability. Heritability. Genetic gain. Progeny testing. Mating designs. Hybridization. Species and provenance trials. Land races. Vegetative propagation including tissue culture. Tree seed stands and orchards.

Required Readings

  1. Chamshama, S.A.O. (2002). Introduction to tree improvement: a compendium. SUA. Morogoro.
  2. Zobel, B.J. and Talbert, A. (1991). Applied forest tree improvement. John Wiley & Sons, New York.
  3. White, C., Adams, W.T. and Neale, D.B. (2007). Forest genetics. CABI. 1st Edition.

Recommended Readings

  1. Zobel, B.J., Wyk, V. and Stahl, P. (1987). Growing exotic forests. John Wiley and Sons. 508pp.
  2. Wright, J.W. (1976). Introduction to forest genetics. Academic Press, New York, USA. 463pp.
  3. FAO, (1980). Forest tree improvement. FAO Forestry Paper No. 20. Rome, Italy. 271pp.