Dr. Virginia Moore Lab at Cornell University

Plant breeding for sustainable cropping systems.

Cornell University

Teaching

Philosophy

Dr. Moore is interested in teaching core competencies for careers in plant breeding, and in teaching at the intersection of plant breeding and agroecology. She uses evidence-based teaching methods to promote inquiry and build inclusive learning communities in the classroom.

 

Courses

PLSCI 4090/6090 – Perennial Crop Breeding Seminar

(offered spring semester, odd-year only)


Spring. 1 credits. Letter grades only.

Perennial crops are critical components of sustainable farming systems, and have many environmental benefits including increased biodiversity, water quality, soil conservation, carbon sequestration, productivity, and resilience. Due to the biology of these species, plant breeders seeking to develop perennial crop cultivars face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This course examines a wide range of perennial crop breeding programs and discusses tools available to breeders, decision-making in perennial crop breeding programs, and opportunities for plant breeding to enhance sustainability and perenniality in cropping systems.

 

PLSCI 4030/PLSCI 6030 – Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants

(offered fall semester, yearly beginning 2022)


Fall. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: BIOMG 2800 or PLBRG 2250 or other standard genetics course and course in crops or horticulture. PLBRG 4030 and PLBRG 6030 co-meet.

Genetic enhancement of crop value to humans began with domestication and continues with farmers’ variety development and scientifically trained plant breeders’ applications of Mendelian, quantitative, and molecular genetics. This course examines crop genetic improvement methods by discussing the history and current practice of plant breeding, tools available to breeders, choices and modifications of those tools to meet specific objectives, and challenges plant breeders face in developing varieties for the future.

 

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