I ICRISAT's Center of Excellence in Genomics (CEG), supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, is pleased to announce its second Training Course entitled “Molecular methodologies for assessing and applying genetic diversity in crop breeding” to be held 17-28 November 2008 at the ICRISAT Campus at Patancheru, Greater Hyderabad, India. The course will provide participants a hands-on opportunity to gain expertise in the use of molecular markers (SSRs, SNPs and DArTs) in diversity analysis, gene/QTL mapping and marker-assisted breeding. The course will focus on the experimental design and data analysis components of molecular markers, rather than the actual marker data generation technology. Special attention will be given on the requirements to utilize a high-throughput marker service facility such as the one being established at the CEG.

The course is open to Indian students and scientists who have a demonstrable ability to use the techniques taught and the CEG marker services. Transport to/from ICRISAT, room and board, and all training costs will be provided to the selected participants from India through funds provided by the DBT, Government of India. The course is also open to a few participants outside of India, although all transportation costs to/from ICRISAT will have to be borne by the participant or their sponsor(s).

Submit your application using the On-line Application Form. Applications will be accepted until
20 September 2008.

Course Program

Sun (16 Nov)
Arrivals at ICRISAT, Patancheru

Mon (17 Nov)
Registration
Course Welcome, Course Overview, Introductions
Introduction to laboratory techniques
Introduction to molecular markers (SSRs, SNPs, DArTs)
Diversity Array Technology (DArT): development and applications
Molecular marker demo

Tue (18 Nov)
Sample preparation and DNA extraction
Lab practical on DNA extraction, quantity/quality assessment

Wed (19 Nov)
Introduction to Experimental Design
Introduction to iMAS
Computer session: iMAS (phenotype analysis)

Thu (20 Nov)
Introduction to molecular diversity
Examples of the application of molecular diversity
Application of plant varietal protection
Visit to Applied Genomics Laboratory

Fri (21 Nov)
Diversity analysis in population
Computer session: Power Marker, Darwin
End of week one dinner

Sat (22 Nov)
Introduction to STRUCTURE analysis
Computer session: Darwin/Structure
Visit to city for shopping   (Afternoon)

Sun (23 Nov)
Visit to Ramoji Film City

Mon (24 Nov)
Introduction to trait phenotyping
Field visit: Rain-Out Shelter
Introduction to molecular breeding and progress at ICRISAT

Tue (25 Nov)
Application of molecular markers in public sector
Introduction to LD maping
Introduction to TASSEL (software for association mapping of complex traits in diverse samples)
Computer session: TASSEL

Wed (26 Nov)
Association mapping in crop plants
Introduction to bioinformatics for crop research
Application of bioinformatics
Uses of sorghum genome sequence
Application of bioinformatics – demos

Thu (27 Nov)
Introduction to TILLING and EcoTILLING
Introduction to new opportunities in genomics
Using CEG’s genotyping service lab.
Funding opportunities – GCPs’ GSS

Fri (28 Nov)
Presentation by participant groups
Course evaluation and feed back
Graduation & closing ceremony

Sat (29 Nov)
Departures

For other ICRISAT trainings please contact Dr Rosana Mula, Coordinator, Learning Systems Unit (web site: http://www.icrisat.org/Training/training.htm)