How inheritance works
Understand genes, chromosomes and the patterns that explain similarities and differences between plants.
GET TO KNOW THE SUBJECT
What is genetics & plant breeding about?
Why do two plants of the same crop respond differently to heat, disease or a dry spell? Genetics and plant breeding starts with questions like these. It connects the science of inheritance with the patient work of choosing and improving plants.
Explore how useful traits move from one generation to the next, how crop diversity is maintained, and how breeders evaluate promising plants. The subject brings together field observation, experimental design and an understanding of seeds. It is a good fit for students who enjoy asking why things differ and are willing to follow an experiment over time.
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What you'll explore
Selecting better plants
Explore selection, hybridisation and the ways breeders balance yield, quality and resilience.
Seeds and crop diversity
Learn why seed quality, varietal identity and the conservation of useful plant material matter.
Making sense of trials
Understand how observations, replication and basic statistics help compare crop performance fairly.
PUTTING IDEAS TO WORK
Learning through practice
These activities show how the subject connects to everyday agricultural questions.
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Look closely
Compare visible traits such as flowering time, plant height and seed characteristics.
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Record carefully
Build observation sheets that make it possible to compare plants across a growing season.
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Ask what the results mean
Think through whether a difference comes from inheritance, growing conditions or both.
LOOKING AHEAD
Where this knowledge can take you
This field can lead towards seed production, plant breeding support, crop evaluation and agricultural research. Advanced research and specialist breeding roles often involve postgraduate study. Careful observation, reliable records and patience are useful wherever you go.
LEARNING IN PICTURES
10 IMAGESExplore the gallery
A look inside the Genetics & Plant Breeding Department laboratory. Select an image for a closer look.
HAVE A QUESTION?
CONTACT OUR TEAM Let's talk about genetics & plant breeding.
For current faculty details, course options and admission information, get in touch with the Faculty of Agriculture.