SylbV01-00-00. pmd

V. Aim of the course
To impart basic knowledge on the origin and development, evolutionary process,
taxonomy, chemotaxonomy, cytogenetics and genetic resources of plantation and
spice crops.
The course is organized as follows:
No
Blocks
Units
1
Origin and evolution
1.
Centre of origin
2.
Systematics
2
Genetic diversity
1.
Species and cultivar diversity
2.
Germplasm
3
Cataloguing
1.
Descriptors
2.
DUS guidelines
VI. Theory
Block 1:
Origin and evolution
Unit I:
Centre of origin: Centre of origin, distribution, taxonomical status,
phylogeny.
Unit II:
Systematics: Botany, cytology, ploidy status, sex forms, flowering and
pollination biology, cytogenetics.
Block 2:
Diversity
Unit I:
Species and cultivar diversity: Wild and related species, cultivars.
Unit II:
Germplasm: Indigenous and exotic germplasm.
Block 3:
Cataloguing
Unit I:
Descriptors: Biovarsity/ NBPGR descriptors and their salient features.
Unit II:
DUS guidelines: DUS guidelines, molecular aspects of systematics.
Crops
A. Plantation crops
: Coconut, Arecanut, Oil Palm, Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, Cashew,
Rubber, Betel Vine

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Restructured and Revised Syllabi of Post-graduate Programmes
Vol. 1
436
B. Spice crops
: Black Pepper, Cardamom, Ginger, Turmeric, Nutmeg, Cinnamon,
Clove, Vanilla, Coriander, Fennel, Cumin, Fenugreek, Garlic
VII. Practical
• Genus, species and cultivar features of various plantation and spice crops;
• Characterization based on descriptors;
• Characterization based on DUS guidelines;
• Study of sex forms and floral biology;
• Study of molecular markers;
• Exposure visits to national institutes including NBPGR.