Plant Science (PLSC)

For major requirements, see the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources section of this Catalog.

An overview of turfgrass adaptation, selection, and management. Topics include turfgrass growth, physiology, soil interactions, weeds and diseases, morphology and identification, establishment, and maintenance. Cultural system practices for lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and other turf areas.

Introduction to the fascinating world of insects and their ubiquitous interactions with people. Role of insects in food and fiber production; insects as food; impact of insects on on human health, commerce and history; and insects as inspiration sources for art, music, film and literature around the world. CA 4-INT.

Development of agricultural systems and technologies and their influence on societies. Topics include plant and animal domestication, food and industrial crops and centers of production, environmental issues, and agricultural ethics. CA 3.

Students will be expected to master the nomenclature and techniques required to describe and characterize soils as natural bodies occurring on geomorphic surfaces. Theories of soil genesis and major systems of soil taxonomy will be rigorously examined, both in theory and in practice. Field trips are required.

Turfgrass irrigation systems, principles of hydraulics, irrigation components, design, installation and repair. Students will design irrigation systems for various turf areas. Field trips and fieldwork will be required.

Topics include human resource information, communication skills, turfgrass pesticide laws and compliance, labor laws and compliance, bid specifications, resume writing, interviewing, golf course management structures, business ethics, and benefits of professional association membership. Guest lecturers include industry professionals and representatives.

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Taught jointly with SAPL 023. Not open for credit to graduate students. Rackliffe

Turfgrass weed, insect, disease and vertebrate identification and control. Emphasis on biological controls and IPM. Field trips required.

224. Turfgrass Physiology and Ecology

Second semester. Three credits. Three class periods. Prerequisite: PLSC 124 or PLSC 289. Guillard

Turfgrass physiology related to growth and development. Response to temperature, light, water, traffic, and wind. Turfgrass community dynamics, competition, and environmental effects of turfgrass culture.

224W. Turfgrass Physiology and Ecology

Prerequisite: PLSC 124 or 289; ENGL 105 or 110 or 111 or 250. Guillard

251. Soils

Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods. Prerequisite: CHEM 122, 127 or 129. Not open for credit to students who have passed PLSC 250. Open to sophomores or higher. Schulthess

Introduction to the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. The relationship between soils and the growth of higher plants. Impact of soils on environmental quality.

252. Soils Lab

Second semester. One credit. One 2-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: PLSC 251, which may be taken concurrently. Open to sophomores or higher. Not open to students who have passed PLSC 250. Schulthess

Basic laboratory analysis of the physical and chemical properties of soil. Includes weekend field trips.

253. Soils, Environmental Quality, and Land Use

Second semester, alternate years (even). Three credits. Three class periods plus required field trips. Prerequisite: PLSC 251. Not open for credit to students that have passed PLSC 209.

Principles and procedures for using soils information in solving environmental and land use problems. The functions of soils in natural ecosystems and in the hydrologic cycle will be included.

254. Forage Crops

First semester, alternate years (even). Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. 

Production, utilization, and storage of species used as forages and their relationship to the ruminant animal.

257. Ecology and Control of Weeds

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 110. Guillard

Weed origin and classification. Losses caused by weeds. Weed competition. Weed seed production, dormancy and germination. Cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical control methods. Weed identification.

258. Soil Fertility

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: PLSC 251. Offered in odd-numbered years. Schulthess

Factors governing nutrient uptake by plants, fate of nutrients applied to soils, principles and practices in the manufacture and use of fertilizers for crop production, laboratory and greenhouse studies of soil and plant response to applied nutrients.

259C. Soil Chemistry Components

(Also offered as ENVE 259C.) First semester, alternate years (even). Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour computer laboratory period. Prerequisite: CHEM 128 and 141. Recommended preparation: PLSC 251 and 252. Schulthess

Basic concepts of the physical chemistry of soil constituents. Topics include soil atmospheres, soil solutions, soil organic matter, soil mineralogy, and surface characteristics and analysis

273. Soil Chemistry Reactions and Equilibria

First semester, alternate years (odd). Three credits. Three class periods. Prerequisite: CHEM 128 and 141 and MATH 112. Recommended preparation: PLSC 251 and 252. Schulthess

Physical chemical characteristics of soil minerals and soil organic matter, and their reactivity with compounds present in the aqueous and vapor phase. Topics include: redox reactions, adsorption and desorption measurements, electrokinetics, adsorption modeling, and basic principals of soil modification and remediation practices.

283. Golf Course Management

Second semester. Three credits. Taught jointly with SAPL 083. Not open for credit to graduate students. Rackliffe

Cultural management techniques including soil aeration, topdressing, mowing, thatch removal, grass or species selection, fertilization, irrigation and management of personnel, pests, equipment and inventory. Field trips required. 

284. Golf Course Design

First semester. Two credits. Taught jointly with SAPL 084. Not open for credit to graduate students. Guillard, Miniutti

Introduction to golf course design theory, planning, and layout. Putting green and tee construction methods. Turfgrass species and cultivar selection for the golf course. Guest presentations by designers and golf course superintendents. Field trips required. 

Horticulture

101. Fundamentals of Horticulture

Second semester. Three credits. Three class periods. Salsedo

Science and practice of horticultural plant propagation and culture.  Basic concepts of plant structure, growth and function.  Integrated pest management.  Impact of new technology.  Horticulture and the environment.

203. Plant Diseases

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 108 or 110. von Bodman

The causes, development and management of diseases of economic plants. Lectures cover general principles and laboratories review specific examples of plant diseases of horticultural and agronomic crops.

204. Integrated Pest Management

Second semester. Three credits. Taught jointly with SAPL 042. Not open for credit to graduate students. Legrand

Principles of integrated pest management covering insect, disease, and weed problems in agronomic crops, vegetables, fruits, turfgrass, ornamentals, and greenhouse production. Environmental impacts and pest control strategies will be covered.

212. Vegetable Production

First semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour field laboratory period. Field trips required. Taught jointly with SAPL 017. Not open for credit to graduate students. Berkowitz

Fundamentals of soil management and crop plant husbandry as applied to commercial vegetable production and home gardening. Horticultural principles of crop growth. Focus is on sustainable practices. Field laboratory will consist of field trips (some outside designated laboratory time) during the early part of the semester to organic and conventional farms to observe production and marketing practices.

214. Woody Landscape Plants: Evergreen

(Formerly offered as PLSC 261.) Second semester. Three credits. One class period and two 2-hour laboratory periods. Taught jointly with SAPL 014. Not open for credit to graduate students. Corbett

Taxonomy, identification and landscape uses of coniferous and broadleaf woody evergreen plants. Laboratory periods will be devoted to identification of plants in the landscape.

215. Woody Landscape Plants: Deciduous

(Formerly offered as PLSC 260.) First semester. Three credits. One class period and two 2-hour laboratory periods. Taught jointly with SAPL 015. Not open for credit to graduate students. Corbett

Taxonomy, identification and landscape uses of deciduous woody plants. Laboratory periods will be devoted to identification of plants in the landscape.

216. Plant Physiology: How Plants Work

Second semester. Three credits. Three class periods. Prerequisite: BIOL 110 and CHEM 122 or 127 or 129. Not open for credit to students who have passed PLSC 213. Auer

Principles of plant physiology and gene expression from the cell to the whole plant level. Emphasis on plant cell structure, water movement, transport systems, photosynthesis, respiration, phytohormone signals and responses to enviromental stresses.

217. Plant Physiology Lab: Investigations into How Plants Work

Second semester. One credit. One two-hour laboratory. Corequisite: PLSC 216. Not open for credit to students who have passed PLSC 213. Auer

Independent research projects investigating plant physiology, development and response to the environment. Principles of experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication.

225. Greenhouse Technology and Operations

First semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Field trips required. Elliott

Introduction to greenhouse systems with emphasis on structures, environmental control, root media, irrigation and fertilization, and pest control, in relation to requirements for plant growth and crop production.  Laboratories provide experience in greenhouse operations and crop production.

226. Greenhouse Crop Production I

Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Field trips required. Prerequisite: PLSC 225. Taught jointly with SAPL 026. Not open for credit to graduate students. Elliott

Environmental and cultural requirements and scheduling of major greenhouse crops, exclusive of edible produce. Emphasis on cut flowers and flowering potted plants and bedding and garden plants produced for spring and early summer markets.  Laboratories provide experience in crop production.

230. Floral Art

Second semester. Two credits. One class period and one 2-hour studio period. Taught jointly with SAPL 030. Open to sophomores or higher.

The study of flower arrangement as an art form with emphasis on historical background, artistic principles, color harmony and care of perishable media. Individual expression is encouraged in the creation of floral composition. A fee of $50 is charged for this course.

231. Herbaceous Ornamental Plants

Second semester. Three credits. Taught jointly with SAPL 031. Not open for credit to graduate students. Open to sophomores or higher. Kuzovkina

Identification, nomenclature, cultural requirements and landscape uses of herbaceous perennials, ornamental grasses, ferns, annuals and bulbs. Study of live plants is required.

235. Advanced Floral Design

Second semester. Two credits. Taught concurrently with SAPL 035. Not open for credit to graduate students. One class period and one 2-hour lab. Prerequisite: PLSC 230. 

In-depth study of post-harvest requirements for specialized floral crops. Exposure to novel floral materials and abstract, tribute, high-style, and wedding designs. Retail price structuring, wire services, and mass-production concepts. A fee of $50 is charged for this course.

238. Plant Propagation

Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Field trips required.  Not open for graduate credit. Taught jointly with SAPL 038. Not open for credit to graduate students.   Brand

Theory and practice in sexual and asexual propagation of horticultural plants, emphasizing the anatomical, physiological, and ecological principles involved. Laboratories provide practical experience with seeds, division, cuttings, budding, grafting, layering and tissue culture.

240. Nursery Management

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Corbett

Principles of field and container production of nursery stock. Emphasis on production practices for woody nursery stock from propagule to sale.

240W. Nursery Management

Prerequisite: ENGL 105 or 110 or 111 or 250. 

243. Plant Biotechnology

Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisites: One of PLSC 213, BIOL 110, MCB 201, MCB 204. Li

Principles of recombinant DNA and plant gene transfer technologies. Applications of plant biotechnology in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, human/animal health care, and pharmaceutical industry. Social and environmental impacts of plant biotechnology.

244. Garden Center Management

First semester. Three credits. Taught concurrently with SAPL 071. Not open for credit to graduate students. 

Fundamentals related to horticultural specialty businesses with particular emphasis on the retail and contracting areas. Specialty and mass merchandising firms are considered and compared.

245. Landscape Plant Maintenance

Second semester. Three credits.Two 2-hour lecture/discussion periods. Field trips required. Recommended preparation: BIOL 110. Open to sophomores or higher. Taught jointly with SAPL 045. Not open for credit to graduate students. Elliott

Planting, establishment and maintenance of woody and herbaceous plants in built and managed environments. Plant structural and functional requirements. Preserving and protecting established plants. Soil conditions and modification. Influence of climate and modification of microclimate. Plant selection. Pruning, mulching, water and irrigation, nutrition and fertilization, plant health care and other horticultural practices.

246. Biotechnology - Science, Application, Impact, Perception

First semester. Three credits. von Bodman

Scientific, legal, and ethical aspects of Biotechnology application in agriculture, health medicine, forensics, and the environment. Designed for students with diverse departmental affiliations.

285. Plant Gene Transfer Techniques

Second semester. Three credits. Li

Techniques of plant gene delivery and transgenic plant production. Verification and analysis of transgenic plants. A fee of $75 is charged for this course.

286. Pesticide Safety and Management

Second semester. Two credits. Taught jointly with SAPL 086. Not open to graduate students.

Pesticide application equipment, pesticide safety and toxicity, equipment calibration, pesticide poisoning, first aid and crop worker protection standards. Managing pesticides to increase safety for applicators and the environment, and increasing effectiveness using principles of Integrated Pest Management.

288. Insect Pest Management

First semester, even-numbered years. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory. Legrand

Biology and management of insects with an emphasis on pests of ornamental plants and turf. Identification of key pests and their damage symptoms, monitoring insect populations and management strategies and tactics.

292. Plant Micropropagation

First semester, odd-numbered years. Three credits. One class period and two 2-hour laboratory periods. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 or 127 and consent of instructor.

The use of aseptic techniques for the micropropagation of plants of economic interest. Laboratory techniques covered include rapid propogation of plants in vitro , meristem culture for the elimination of diseases, somaclonal variation, somatic embryogenesis and media preparation.

Landscape Architecture

100. Orientation to Plant Science and Landscape Architecture

First semester. One credit. One class period. (Taught jointly with SAPL 010.) Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

An introduction to programs, careers, and research in Plant Science and Landscape Architecture.

202. Design of Small Spaces

Second semester. Two credits. One class period and one 2-hour studio. Prerequisites: PLSC 255 and PLSC 275. Not open to Landscape Architecture majors.

Studio-based course emphasizing the acquisition of skills necessary for the landscape design for small spaces. The skills will include: visualization methods, methodology in design process, derivation of basic forms and planting design.

241C. Landscape Architecture: Graphics III - Computer Applications

First semester. Four credits. Three class periods and three 1-hour labs. Prerequisites: PLSC 256. Open to Landscape Architecture majors only. Westa

Knowledge and theory of computer use in landscape architecture. Computer applications for data gathering, analysis and graphic communication. Application of knowledge and theory to a variety of site planning and design projects.

255. Landscape Architecture: Graphics I - Design Drawing

First semester. Four credits. Two class periods and two 2-hour studios. Open only with consent of instructor. Open to sophomores or higher. Schwab

Knowledge and theory of graphic representation, exploration and development of design form. Introduction to basic design principles. Application of graphic and design theory through free-hand drawing in a studio environment. Abstraction and transformation of form emphasized.

256. Landscape Architecture: Graphics II - Design Communication

Second semester. Four credits. Three class periods and three 1-hour studios. Open to Landscape Architecture majors only. Prerequisite: PLSC 255. Open to sophomores or higher. Miniutti

Knowledge and theory of visual perception and model making. Application of theory in the creation of various graphic products including plan, section, elevation, paraline and perspective drawings. Controlled free hand and computer methods in a studio environment.

262. Landscape Architecture: Design II - Space, Form and Meaning

First semester. Five credits. Three class periods and three 2-hour studios. Open to Landscape Architecture majors only. Prerequisite: PLSC 265. Miniutti

Knowledge and theory of spatial form in architecture, landscape architecture and urban design. Application of theory in the creation of 3-dimensional landscape models in a studio environment. Student attitudes about self-expression, environmental issues and social responsibility will be explored.

265. Landscape Architecture: Design I - Site Analysis

Second semester. Five credits. Three class periods and three 2-hour studios. Open to Landscape Architecture majors only. Prerequisite: PLSC 255 and 275. Open to sophomores or higher. Field trips are required. Westa

Knowledge and theory of site design and site analysis. Dimensional requirements and appropriate relationships of site elements and systems. Collection and analysis of site data including legal, physical and cultural factors. Application in a variety of site design projects.

266. Landscape Architecture: Design III - Program Development

Second semester. Five credits. Three class periods and three 2-hour studios. Open to Landscape Architecture majors only. Prerequisite: PLSC 262. Field trips are required. Schwab

Knowledge and theory of site design and planning with a focus on program analysis and development. Design of appropriate form and function through precedent study and research on user and client needs, development regulations and site context. Application of theory to a variety of project types and scales.

267. Landscape Architecture : Design V - Capstone

Second semester. Five credits. Three class periods and three 2-hour studios. Prerequisite: PLSC 276. Open to Landscape Architecture majors only. Field trips required. Westa

Knowledge and theory of site planning and design. Application of theory and skills from previous design courses to a single, comprehensive site planning and design project.

268. Landscape Architecture: Construction III - Planting Design

First semester. Four credits. Two class periods and two 2-hour studios. Open to Landscape Architecture majors only. Prerequisite: PLSC 280. Schwab

Knowledge and theory of the role of plants as visual, spatial, ecological and cultural design elements. Analysis and creation of planting plans that support and develop design concepts and respond to physical site conditions. Application of knowledge and theory by developing planting plans, models and databases for a variety of project types in a studio environment.

271. Landscape Architecture: Theory IV - Professional Practice

First semester. Three credits. Three class periods. Open to Landscape Architecture majors only. Prerequisite: PLSC 277. Alexopoulos

Business, legal and professional dimensions of landscape architecture. Modes of practice, licensure and ethics, and contract development and administration. Emphasis on portfolio development and licensure preparation.

275. Landscape Architecture: Theory I - The Cultural Landscape

First semester. Two credits. Two class periods. Open to sophomores or higher. Miniutti

An introduction to the study of landscape architecture and related planning and design disciplines. Emphasis on understanding the political and social forces which influence development patterns in the United States.

276. Landscape Architecture: Design IV - Community Planning

First semester. Five credits. Three class periods and three 2-hour studios. Prerequisite: PLSC 266. Open to Landscape Architecture majors only. Field trips are required. Alexopoulos

Knowledge and theory of design of large scale landscapes such as open space systems, village and town centers and residential subdivisions. Application of theory to a variety of projects including community outreach work.

277. Landscape Architecture: Theory II - Design History

Second semester. Three credits. Three class periods. Prerequisite: PLSC 275. Open to sophomores or higher. Alexopoulos

The development of designed landscapes is followed through time, emphasizing influences on current landscape architecture theory and practice.

280. Landscape Architecture: Construction II - Materials and Methods

Second semester. Four credits. Two class periods and two 2-hour studios. Prerequisite: PLSC 281. Open to Landscape Architecture majors only. Westa

Knowledge and theory of site construction. Characteristics and installation methods of materials including concrete, masonry, wood and metal. Application of knowledge and theory through development of construction drawings and related documents for site construction projects.

281. Landscape Architecture : Construction I - Site Engineering

First semester. Four credits. Two class periods and two 2-hour studios. Prerequisite: PLSC 256. Open to Landscape Architecture majors only. Alexopoulos

Theory and practice in manipulating landform in landscape architeture. Earthwork computation, drainage systems, sedimentation and erosion control, roadway design and low-impact design.

290W. Environmental Planning and Landscape Design

Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one discussion period. Prerequisite: Open only with consent of instructor; ENGL 105 or 110 or 111 or 250. Schwab

Theories, concepts and methods for sustainable design of the land to balance the needs for conservation and development. Topics include land use planning, ecological design, and cultural and  natural landscape assessment at a variety of scales and settings.

293. Landscape Architecture: Theory V - Seminar

Either semester. One credit. Open to Landscape Architecture majors only. Course may be repeated for credit.

Current topics in landscape architecture.

Plant Science Research and Seminar

287. Field Study Internship

Either semester or summer. One to six credits. Hours by arrangement. Open to Junior - Senior students who have demonstrated professional potential as identified by their advisor.  Open only with consent of Head of the Department of Plant Science and the advisor. This course may be repeated provided that the sum total of credits earned does not exceed six. Students taking this course will be assigned a grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

Students will work with professionals in an area of research or management.

295. Seminar

Either semester. One credit. Open only with consent of instructor. Course may be repeated for credit.

Professional presentations of current topics in Plant Science.

298. Special Topics

Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. May be repeated for credit with a change of topic. Open only with consent of instructor.

Topics and credits to be published prior to the registration period preceding the semester offerings.

299. Independent Study

Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open to qualified students with consent of instructor and Department Head. Students are expected to submit written reports. Course may be repeated for credit.