Plant Breeding Academy 

Applications are now being accepted for the 2008-2010 Plant Breeding Academy. The application, along with more information about the Academy, can be found at "PBA Links" in the menu on the left. Space is limited - apply early to reserve your spot!

Our students say it best:

"A very...rigorous foundational course in plant breeding. All aspects of the discipline are given deep coverage, with professors providing additional personal insight. A small class size ensures every student is given tutor-like attention when needed. The Plant Breeding Academy has without a doubt given me powerful tools to tackle virtually any problem I might encounter in my career as a professional plant breeder."
-Adam Dick, Tomato Solutions

"Overall, this course is invaluable to me in that I am able to maintain my full time, great job, and gain this knowledge without having to become a full time student."
-Peter Martini, Driscoll Strawberry Associates

The UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy is a professional development course teaching the principles of plant breeding. It is targeted toward people who are currently involved in plant breeding or wish to become plant breeders, but who desire a greater knowledge of genetics, statistics, and breeding methodology to direct a breeding program. The format is designed to allow participants to maintain their current positions while learning the theory and practice of plant breeding.

The Academy was organized by the Seed Biotechnology Center at the University of California, Davis. The two-year course addresses the reduced numbers of plant breeders being trained in academic programs. Participants meet at UC Davis for six sessions over two years. Readings and exercises continue between sessions, allowing participants to maintain their current positions while being involved in the course. At the end of the two-year course, participants are expected to have the skills and knowledge to manage an independent plant breeding program.