Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics

Plant Breeding is concerned with the evolution of superior varieties of crops. Its main focus is the genetic adjustment of crop plants according to social, economic and technological aspects of the environment.

The Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics was established in 1954. Since then, the department has been offering courses and research methodologies related to crop improvement, cytology, cytogenetics, biometry, quantitative genetics, molecular genetics and genetic engineering.

The department offers education and research guidance leading to B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. (Hons) and Ph.D. degrees. It has produced more than 730 well-trained graduates serving at provincial, national and international levels.

The department has highly qualified faculty, well-equipped laboratories and an experimental farm for research projects.

Objectives

The department aims to improve quantitative and qualitative traits of cereal, fiber and oilseed crops, produce crop varieties suitable for different agro-environments of Sindh province, and develop technology packages to improve farmers’ crop production capabilities.

Impart academic and research training at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels in Plant Breeding and Genetics.
Plan and undertake basic and applied research on cereals and other major crops.
Produce quality seed of wheat, cotton and vegetable crops for distribution to farmers of the province.
Establish linkages with provincial, national and international research and educational organizations.
Develop genetically improved cultivars, hybrids and breeding material.
Improve quantitative and qualitative traits of crop species.

Seed Production and Development Centre

Quality Seed Production

The department has established a Seed Production and Development Centre to improve and strengthen the seed supply system of the province.

University Development

The centre also serves as a major income-generating unit for the university while supporting farmers with quality crop seed.

Academic Areas

Crop Improvement

Development of superior crop varieties through breeding and selection.

Molecular Genetics

Study of genetic mechanisms and modern approaches to crop improvement.

Cytogenetics

Study of chromosomes, heredity and genetic variation in crop plants.

Biometry

Application of statistical methods in genetics and plant breeding research.

Quantitative Genetics

Improvement of yield and quality traits controlled by multiple genes.

Genetic Engineering

Advanced techniques for developing improved crop plants and breeding material.

Degree Programs

Undergraduate Program

B.Sc. (Hons) level education in Plant Breeding and Genetics with academic and practical training in crop improvement.

Graduate Program

M.Sc. (Hons) program with advanced coursework and research methodologies related to genetics and crop breeding.

Ph.D. Program

Advanced courses and research guidance for Ph.D. scholars in Plant Breeding, Genetics and crop improvement.

Courses Offered

Code	Title of Course	C. Hrs
TERM-V
PBG-501	Genetics of Crop Plants	3(2+1)
PBG-503	Breeding of Field Crops	3(2+1)
PBG-505	Cytogenetics	3(2+1)
PBG-507	Methods in Genetics & Biometry	3(2+1)
PBG-509	Reproductive System of Crop Plants	3(2+1)
STAT-511	Elementary Statistics	3(2+1)
TERM-VI
PBG-502	Breeding of Maize, Millet and Sorghum	3(2+1)
PBG-504	Breeding of Oilseed Crops and Tobacco	3(2+1)
PBG-506	Non-Conventional Approaches to Crop Improvement	3(2+1)
PBG-508	Molecular Genetics	3(2+1)
CP-510	General Biochemistry	3(2+1)
TERM-VII
PBG-601	Breeding for Cereal Crops	3(2+1)
PBG-603	Breeding for Pulse Crops	3(2+1)
PBG-605	Breeding of Fodder and Forage Crops	3(2+1)
PBG-607	Experimentation	3(2+1)
SUPT-611	Supporting Course	3(2+1)
TERM-VIII
PBG-602	Breeding of Sugar Crops	2(1+1)
PBG-604	Breeding of Fibre Crops	3(2+1)
PBG-606	Biodiversity and Plant Genetic Resources	3(2+1)
PBG-610	Internship and Report Writing	4(0+4)

Facilities

Well-Equipped Laboratories

Laboratories are available for practical training and research in genetics, cytogenetics, molecular genetics and crop improvement.

Experimental Farm

The department has an experimental farm for field trials, breeding research and crop variety development.

Research Guidance

Qualified and experienced faculty provide research supervision to undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. scholars.