Studies & Degrees in Plant Breeding

Choose where you would like to study Plant Breeding:

2011 World Hunger and Poverty Facts and Statistics revealed that there are over 900 million of people suffering from hunger both in developed and undeveloped countries. Aggravating the current condition is the projected Food Shortage in 2020 triggered by the significant impact of climate change in agriculture. As a matter of fact, decline in the number of potent arable lands is expected by 2025 particularly in Africa being the hottest region in the world. As a result, decline in crop production is likely to arise even in the Mediterranean specifically in France, Italy, and Spain as grape and olive harvest is anticipated to slow down. Consequently, these concerns are being responded accordingly by further research and studies in Agronomy and Plant Breeding.

Agronomy is described as the science and technology of plant production for many different purposes such as food, feed, fiber, fuel, and reclamation. As it encompasses an array of subjects, it involves interrelated fields of study like plant physiology and genetics, soil science, and meteorology. Major facets of learning are agroecology, biotechnology, plant breeding, soil and sciences. Furthermore, it is multidisciplinary in nature that deals with relevant sciences like biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and genetics. Diverse specializations are likewise accessible that include plant breeding and physiology, irrigation and drainage, soil classification and fertility, crop rotation, etc.

Among the many different aspects of Agronomy, Plant Breeding happens to be an interesting faculty. In particular, it is regarded as the art and science of altering the genetic components of flora life for the gain of humanity. In the same way, it entails the process of plant selection to come up with desirable properties manifested in new and improved plant variety with the advent of molecular biology. Fundamental procedures consist of variety creation, selection, evaluation, release, multiplication, and distribution. For systematic observation of the process, certain techniques can be employed such as Maker Assisted Selection, Reverse Breeding and Double Haploids, and Genetic Modification.

Agronomy and Plant Breeding studies are accessible in colleges and universities worldwide. What is even more interesting is that relevant course programs range from undergraduate to graduate studies. Bachelor’s curricula many include Agronomy and Crop Production, Agronomy and Plant Genetics, and Agronomy and Horticulture. Graduate studies consist of Master in Agronomy and Crop Science, Master of Science in Agronomy, and Doctor of Philosophy in Agronomy. Short course programs are also offered such as Associate of Applied Science in Agronomy and Certification Program in Agronomy and Soil Sciences.

Career opportunities await agronomists and plant breeding specialists. National governments through its many different agencies under the Department of Agriculture comprise an attractive employment niche to eligible professionals. Non-government organizations with offices all over the globe such as UN Food and Agriculture Organization, World Sustainable Agriculture Association, and International Cooperative Agriculture Organization can also tender job placements. Agronomy degree holders can also land jobs in multinational companies in the likes of Cargill, Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Companies, and E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company. Academic institutions also offer teaching posts for graduate school professionals who can handle courses on Agronomy studies in the academe. Job posts may include an array of responsibilities which may include administrative, supervisory, teaching, and research functions.