FFWD-Plants: Fast-forward genetics in plants: mining natural allelic variation for sustainable crop improvement

I EDITION | ON SITE | APPLICATION

Deadline for Registration: February 20th, 2026

Period: April 13th - 17th, 2026

Learning objectives

FFWD-Plants focuses on quantitative genetics methods, including population genetics and gene-trait associations, to discuss ways in which the discovery and use of agrobiodiversity can be accelerated for crop improvement. The Seasonal School spans from concepts in exploration of crop wild relatives and ethnoboltany (Dr. Colin Khoury, NY Botanical Garden, USA), discovery of genetic variation associated with environmental variation (Prof. Jesse Lasky, PennState, USA), identification of genetic variation associated with traits of agronomic relevance (Prof. James Schnable, UNL, USA), manipulation of genetic factors to alter traits (Prof. Hilde Nelissen, VIB, BE). The participants will build knowledge on basic quantitative genetic concepts, genomics, advanced methods in crop breeding. The course features hands-on exercises on R using datasets derived from the research examples provided in lectures.

Teaching methodologies

Lectures and hands-on R exercises, approximately 60/40

Target participants

PhD students from a background in biological sciences, plant sciences, or agronomic sciences.

SDGs

SDG2, SDG15

Coordinator and key teaching staff

Professor Matteo Dell’Acqua, coordinator
Dr. Leonardo Caproni
Dr. Ettore Riccucci
Ms. Martina Sechi
Dr. Colin Khoury, NY Botanical Gardens
Prof. Jesse Lasky, Penn State University
Prof. James Schnable, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Prof. Hilde Nelissen, VIB Ghent