| Course - |
PLS 1 |
| Title - |
Agriculture, Nature and Society |
| Instructor - |
Thomas Gradziel |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall |
| Prerequisites - |
None |
| Catalog Description - |
Multiple perspectives and connections between natural sciences, social sciences, and agriculture. Emphasizes agriculture's central position between nature and society and its key role in our search for a productive, lasting and hospitable environment. Several full-period field trips provide hands-on learning. |
| Summary - |
Time, earth and homo sapiens
Origins and spread of agriculture
Soil, water and plants
Early civilization and their agricultural base
Greek and Roman (Mediterranean) agriculture
Medieval (Northern European) agriculture
Major transitions in US and California agriculture
Agrarian themes in literature, art and life style
Evolution of agricultural technology
Energy, agriculture and the biosphere
Science and agriculture
Agriculture, food, and demography
Questions of scale, economics and politics
Productive ecologic balance, sense of place, futurisms |
| |
Return to top |
| |
|
| Course - |
PLS 2 |
| Title - |
Botany and Physiology of Cultivated Plants |
| Instructor - |
Mikal Saltveit, Muhammad Marrush |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Winter |
| Prerequisites - |
High school course in biology and chemistry recommended |
| Catalog Description - |
A holistic introduction to the underlying botanical and physiological principles of cultivated plants and their response to the environment. Includes concepts behind plant selection, cultivation, and utilization. Laboratories include discussion and interactive demonstrations. |
| Summary - |
History and importance of agriculture
Basic physical and biological concepts
Plant Classification: Methods, systems, and usefulness
Form and Function: Plant anatomy, morphology, and structure as related to usefulness, management and behavior
Genetics and Biotechnology: Mendelian genetics, hybridization, gene replication, expression, regulation, and manipulation
Plant Propagation: Asexual and sexual reproduction, microtechnique, tissue culture, grafting, budding, and germination
Transformation of Energy: Photosynthesis and respiration Metabolism: Synthesis of organic compounds
Growth and Development: Growth regulators, responses to the environment
Flowering and Fruiting
Root Environment: Water and nutrient uptake, nitrogen cycle and fixation
Pathology: Host/pathogen interactions
Postharvest Biology: Maturity, ripening, and senescence
Marketing and Food Safety |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 5 |
| Title - |
Plants for Garden, Orchard and Landscape |
| Instructor - |
Muhammad Marrush |
| Units - |
2 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall, Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
For non-majors. |
| Catalog Description - |
Hands-on experience with plants cultivated for food, environmental enhancement and personal satisfaction. Topics include establishing a vegetable garden, pruning and propagation activities, growing flowers and ornamental plants, and the role of plants in human health and well-being. |
| Summary - |
The objective of this course is to convey the basic principles of plant science through an experiential learning process. Student gardens and hands-on laboratory exercises illustrate the requirements for plant growth and their relationship to the environment. The importance of plants for food, fiber, environmental enhancement and personal satisfaction will be demonstrated. Students will be challenged to develop an integrated knowledge of plant biology and the roles plants play in human society. |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 8 |
| Title - |
Fruits and Nuts of California and the World |
| Instructor - |
Vito Polito |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Winter |
| Prerequisites - |
None |
| Catalog Description - |
Field trip seventh week of quarter. Biological and environmental principles of tree-crop agriculture emphasizing California production. Topics include temperate and subtropical species, biotechnology and genetic improvement, environmental physiology, plant and crop growth, pest and disease control, consumer issues. |
| Summary - |
Species and cultivars of temperate and subtropical fruit crops.
General environmental factors and geographical distribution of tree-crop species.
Tree-crop production areas in California and worldwide.
Mediterranean climate zones.
The tree: Its structure and function.
Propagation: grafting budding, rootstocks.
Genetics, biotechnology and improvement of cultivars.
The seasonal cycle: growth and dormancy.
Flowering, pollination and fruit set.
Fruit growth.
Training and pruning.
Environmental plant physiology, photosynthesis, water and transport.
Plant mineral nutrition, plant-soil relations.
Water resources, policy and management.
Pest and disease control.
Integrated pest management, sustainable agriculture, organic agriculture.
Ripening, senescence and harvest.
Postharvest technology.
Consumer issues: quality, safety and nutrition. |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 12 |
| Title - |
Plants and Society |
| Instructor - |
Donald Nevins, Marie Jasieniuk, Albert Fischer, Li Tian |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall, Winter, Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
high school biology |
| Catalog Description - |
Dependence of human societies on plant and plant products. Plants as resources for food, fiber, health, enjoyment and environmental services. Sustainable uses of plants for food production, raw materials, bioenergy, and environmental conservation. Global population growth and future food supplies. |
| Summary - |
Plants have created and continue to support the conditions necessary for life on earth. Most human communities have derived the majority of their food and much of their raw materials from plants, and the development of plant cultivation and agriculture was a decisive moment in human history. Agriculture has allowed the development of civilization, but continued population growth and decreasing available land for expansion for food production create questions about agricultural sustainability in the future. This course will examine these issues from both a scientific and a social perspective. The basic requirements for plant growth and therefore for productive agriculture will be examined in relation to global climates and the distribution of human populations. The impacts of biotechnology, globalization, energy demands, biodiversity, environmental preservation and social trends on the future of plants and agriculture will be explored through lectures, discussions, essays and term papers. Students are challenged to critically examine the roles of scientific advances, marketing systems, consumer choices, nutritional requirements and cultural preferences in determining the types of agricultural systems that are used to produce plants for human uses. |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 14 |
| Title - |
Introduction to Current Topics in Plant Biology |
| Instructor - |
Kentaro Inoue |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall |
| Prerequisites - |
None |
| Catalog Description - |
Introduction to scientific methods and current understanding of genetics, metabolism, and cellular structure in plants, with special emphasis on topics related to societal issues, such as herbal medicines and genetically modified organisms. Designed for students not specializing in biology. |
| Summary - |
Concepts and basic knowledge necessary to understand current topics in plant biology, such as use of herbal medicines and genetic engineering of crop plant species. Genetics (central dogma, concepts and applications of molecular biology, mitosis and meiosis, breeding), metabolism (photosynthesis, respiration, plant growth regulators, and secondary metabolism that are useful to understand the nature of herbal medicines), cell structure (organelles and membranes), and anatomy (organs and tissues) of plants. Examples of basic research and its practical application to issues relevant to modern society such as herbal medicines and genetically modified organisms. One-hour tour per quarter to the UC Davis botanical conservatory for observing and learning about the diversity of plants' physiological and morphological adaptations to different environments. Guest lectures for learning current problems and research on topics such as genetic engineering of crops. Student-led presentation sessions that address thought questions provided by the instructor. Paper writings that ensure and expand students' understanding of topics. |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 15 |
| Title - |
Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture |
| Instructor - |
Mark Van Horn |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
None |
| Catalog Description - |
Multidisciplinary introduction to agricultural sustainability with a natural sciences emphasis. Sustainability concepts and perspectives. Agricultural evolution, history, resources and functions. Diverse agricultural systems and practices and their relative sustainability. Laboratories provide direct experience with selected agricultural practices and systems. |
| Summary - |
General introduction to agricultural sustainability emphasizing natural science perspectives within an integrated multidisciplinary context that also includes social, economic and political perspectives. We will ask what is agriculture, what is it for, and how has it evolved and developed? We will explore concepts, perspectives, definitions and measures of sustainability and the evolution of the concept of sustainable agriculture. We will examine agricultural resources, functions, productivity, food chains and outputs, including externalities. We will study several historic and current agricultural systems and practices and their relative sustainability, as well as alternatives designed to improve agricultural sustainability and their relative successes. Laboratories will include two types of activities: 1. field-based activities that highlight connections between agricultural practices and scientific principles (e.g., utilizing and comparing different methods of monitoring pest and beneficial organisms on crops; comparing in-field methods of estimating nutrient levels in plants; conducting a class intercrop experiment to observe various interactions of the crops with each other and the environment); 2. on- and near-campus field trips to observe diverse production practices, agricultural systems (e.g., annual and perennial crops, grazing and confined livestock operations, integrated crop/livestock systems) that help illustrate concepts discussed in lecture. The course complements Community and Regional Development 020 by providing a natural science focus on food and agriculture within the context of integrated multidisciplinarity. |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 21 |
| Title - |
Application of Computers in Technology |
| Instructor - |
Emilio Laca, Mikal Saltveit, Heiner Lieth |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall, Winter, Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
high school algebra |
| Catalog Description - |
Concepts of computing and applications using personal computers, spreadsheets, database management, word processing and communications. |
| Summary - |
1. Computer hardware, history and modern developments
2. Operating systems
3. Office software: background information and hands-on training in the use of wordprocessors, spreadsheet, presentation and database management software
4. Networking software and hardware issues and topics including basic web page creation
5. Computer software and its applications in agriculture and technology
6. Computer peripherals and accessories: technical background and examples of applications
7. Integration of information and instruction specific to the use of computers by a typical undergraduate student |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 49 |
| Title - |
Organic Crop Production Practices |
| Instructor - |
Mark Van Horn |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall, Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
None |
| Catalog Description - |
Principles and practices of organic production of annual crops. Including organic crops, soil, and pest management, cover cropping, composting, seeding, transplanting, irrigation, harvesting and marketing. |
| Summary - |
Soil and fertility management: Tillage, seed bed preparation, cover crops,composts/composting, fertilizers and amendments
Irrigation: Common methods of irrigation, irrigation scheduling
Planting: Seed propagation and transplanting, planting mixes, direct seeding, seedling management
Weed management: Strategies, techniques and rationale of non-chemical weed control
Insects and diseases: Monitoring pests, common methods of control, including biological control
Harvesting and post-harvest handling: Methods of harvesting, post-harvest handling, storing and transporting crops
Marketing: Strategies, wholesale, retail, and direct marketing methods; organic laws, registration and certification
Planning and management: Integrating all the factors |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 100A |
| Title - |
Metabolic Processes of Cultivated Plants |
| Instructor - |
Florence Zakharov, Albert Fischer |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall |
| Prerequisites - |
Plant Sciences 2 or Biological Sciences 1C or consent of instructor |
| Catalog Description - |
Principles of energy capture and photosynthesis, water use, and nutrient cycling. Conversion of these resources into products (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and other chemicals) by plants. Emphasis on the relationships between environmental resources, plant metabolism and plant growth. |
| Summary - |
Energy flow in biological systems
Concepts of bioenergetics
Capture and storage of energy
Plants as autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms
Basic concepts of biochemistry
Supply of energy
Transport
Assimilation
Symbiotic nitrogen fixation, agroeconomic importance
Consequences of Rubisco chemistry
Synthesis of carbohydrates from Calvin Cycle products
Energy storage, crops as sources of carbohydrates, crops for biofuel production
Synthesis of lipids, phenylpropanoids and lignin
Crops as important sources of lipids (nutritional and industrial purposes)
Protein synthesis, essential amino acids, crops as sources of proteins
Carbon/nitrogen allocations and partitioning
Integration of primary metabolism
Targets of herbicide actions
Secondary metabolism
Crop breeding and engineering, beneficial biochemical input traits |
|
|
| |
Return to top |
| |
|
| Course - |
PLS 100AL |
| Title - |
Metabolic Processes of Cultivated Plants Laboratory |
| Instructor - |
Various |
| Units - |
2 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall |
| Prerequisites - |
course 100A or the equivalent (may be taken concurrently) |
| Catalog Description - |
Techniques and instruments used to study plant metabolic processes, including water relations, respiration, photosynthesis, enzyme kinetics, microscopy, immunochemistry, and nitrogen fixation. Quantitative methods, problem solving, and practical applications are emphasized. |
| Summary - |
1. Water potential and its components.
Techniques for the measurement of tissue water potential, osmotic potential and the estimation of turgor potential.
2. Plant membrane H+-ATPases.
Activities of different types of ATPases from plant membranes to determine pH optima of the H+-pumps and their sensitivity to inhibitors.
3. Photosynthesis and respiration.
Rates of photosynthesis and respiration in isolated spinach chloroplasts. Effects of different uncouplers on respiration and photosynthesis, cyclic photophosphorylation, etc.
4. Enzyme kinetics.
Rate of the reaction catalyzed by mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase. Effect of substrate on the enzymatic reaction and the effect of competitive and non-competitive inhibitors. (2 labs)
5. C3 and C4 plants.
Observe differences between C3 and C4 plants by comparing leaf anatomy using immunochemistry and fluorescence to identify anatomical differences and their implications for Carbon fixation. (2 labs)
6. Nitrogen fixation.
Characterize symbiotic Nitrogen-fixation in roots of nodulated soybean using Gas Chromatography to determine nitrogen-fixation activity. Study the effects of nitrogen nutrition on endosymbiotic Nitrogen fixation.
7. Problem solving.
The objective of these sessions is to stimulate and practice problem solving skills. Problems, dealing with plant biochemistry, biophysics and bioenergetics, are solved during the lab sessions. (2 labs). |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 100B |
| Title - |
Growth and Yield of Cultivated Plants |
| Instructor - |
John Labavitch, Mikal Saltveit, Kent Bradford |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Winter |
| Prerequisites - |
course 100A or consent of instructor |
| Catalog Description - |
Principles of the cellular mechanisms and hormonal regulation underlying plant growth, development, and reproduction. Emphasis on how these processes contribute to the harvestable yield of cultivated plants and can be managed to increase crop productivity and quality. |
| Summary - |
1. Cell walls -- dynamics
2. Concepts of the plant meristem
3. Organogenesis
4. Plant growth regulators
* Auxin
* Gibberellins
* Cytokinins
* Ethylene
* ABA and Brassinosteroids
5. Transition from vegetative to reproductive growth
6. Signaling for:
* Reproductive growth and development
* Storage organ initiation and development
7. Floral anatomy and reproductive barriers
8. Seed and fruit structure and development
9. Ripening and senescence
10. Modification of ripening
11. Seed germination and dormancy
12. Productivity yield
13. Limitations on yield and quality
14. Cropping systems
* Field and pasture
* Orchards and vineyards
* Vegetable crops, greenhouse, nursery |
|
|
| |
Return to top |
| |
|
| Course - |
PLS 100BL |
| Title - |
Growth and Yield of Cultivated Plants Laboratory |
| Instructor - |
Various |
| Units - |
2 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Winter |
| Prerequisites - |
course 100B or equivalent (may be taken concurrently) |
| Catalog Description - |
Laboratory exercises in plant growth and development and their regulation, including photomorphogenesis, plant growth regulators, plant anatomy, seed germination, fruit ripening and senescence. Includes field trips to illustrate relationships to cropping and marketing systems. |
| Summary - |
1. Photomorphogenesis: Effect of the quantity and quality of light on the growth and development of cultivated plants. Illustration of etiolation, phototropism, and photoperiodism.
2. Plant growth regulators: Acquaint the students with the five traditional PGRs and newly identified PGRs. Illustration of auxin promotion of rooting, cytokinins preventing chlorophyll loss, etc. (2 labs)
3. Floral and seed anatomy: Dissection of various flowers, fruits and seeds to reveal differences and similarities in the structures among cultivated plants.
4. Seed germination: Growth of germinating seeds will be followed to examine the kinetics of radicle, root, hypocotyl and epicotyl growth, the anatonomy of monocot and dicot seedlings. The discussion will use examples from the first four labs to help the student develop an integrated picture of the interrelation of the seed and its environment in modern agriculture. (2 labs)
5. Ripening and senescence: Examination of changes associated with fruit ripening and leaf senescence. Illustration of how attached and detached tissues differ in their ripening and senescence, and practical procedures used to maintain quality in agricultural crops. (2 labs)
6: Cropping systems: A field trip to view various cropping systems; e.g., field and pastures, orchards and vineyards. (2 labs). |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 100C |
| Title - |
Environmental Interactions of Cultivated Plants |
| Instructor - |
Kenneth Shackel, Patrick Brown |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
course 100A or consent of instructor |
| Catalog Description - |
Principles of plant interactions with their physical and biological environments and their acquisition of the resources needed for growth and reproduction. Emphasis on how management practices and environmental conditions affect crop productivity. |
| Summary - |
1. Energy vs Carbon
* Leaf and canopy structure
* Plant density, pruning, competition with weeds
* Production practices
2. Sinks
* Allocation patters
* Crops vs. unmanaged plants
* Root exudates and turnover
* Rhizosphere microbial populations
* Soil respiration, aggregation, and carbon sequestration
3. Nutirents
* Requirements
* Fertilizers
* Uptake
4. Nitrogen fixation
* C4 plants
* Cyanobacterial associations
5. Nodulation
* Plant flavonoids
* Agricultural and ecological implications and practices
6. California water issues
* Salinity
* Irrigation
* Consumption
* Contamination
* Regulatory Issues
7. Water physics
8. Soil-Plant-Atmosphere interactions
9. Water transport through the plant
* Cohesion-tension
* Xylem cavitation
* Vapor pressure deficit
* Transpiration measurement and control
10. Environmental Stress
11. Moisture Stress
* Avoidance vs. Adaptation
* Water use efficiency
* Osmotic Adjustment
* Genetic control of drought resistance |
|
|
| |
Return to top |
| |
|
| Course - |
PLS 100CL |
| Title - |
Environmental Interactions of Cultivated Plants Laboratory |
| Instructor - |
Various |
| Units - |
2 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
course 100C (may be taken concurrently) |
| Catalog Description - |
Techniques and instruments used to study plant interactions with their physical and biological environments, including light responses, transpiration, microclimatology, nutrient availability and utilization, biomass accumulation. Quantitative methods and modeling are emphasized. |
| Summary - |
1. Canopy photosynthesis and water use. (6 labs)
* Evaluate the light response of carbon fixation in sun and shade leaves and their transpiration.
* Run canopy models to predict crop photosynthesis, water use, and eddy fluxes of carbon dioxide and water vapor.
* Irrigate one plot and leave another dry.
* Monitor microclimate and potential evapo-transporation for the field plots.
* Measure eddy fluxes over a canopy, soil water availability, and crop water status.
* Assess photosynthesis, transpiration, and chlorophyll fluorescence of crops in the wet and dry plots.
* Resolve differences with models.
2. Nutrient availability, crop nutrient status & performance. (4 labs)
* Assess seedling N status of a grain and legume through xylem sap nitrate and plant total N.
* Evaluate soil nitrogen availability through soil extractable nitrate and ammonium and total soil N.
* Apply two levels of organic or inorganic fertilizer on different plots.
* After one month, again assess N-status of grain, legume and soils and the influence on biomass accumulation. |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 101 |
| Title - |
Agriculture and the Environment |
| Instructor - |
Donald Phillips |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Winter |
| Prerequisites - |
course 2 or consent of instructor |
| Catalog Description - |
Focus on the interaction between agriculture and the environment to address the principles required to analyze conflict and develop solutions to complex problems facing society. |
| Summary - |
Lectures are delivered by the instructor and guest speakers who are informed on the subject matter. Lectures center on principles underlying the particular conflict and how opposing views have developed. Deliberative questioning focuses the attention of students on understanding the complexity of issues and on thinking for themselves.
The course is divided into three broad areas:
1. Factors governing the emergence of agriculture and environmentalism (Classes 1-3)
2. Key ag and environmental problems (Classes 4-9)
3. Resolving ag and environmental problems (Classes 11-20).
Specific problems addressed include: Water uses and regulation of pollutants; agricultural chemicals; biotech applications; energy production from ag operations; global warming; preserving agricultural land; integrating ag and natural systems; agriculture and urbanization; confined animal feeding operations; ethics of ag production and environmentalism; global food policies and ag development; valuing ag and environmental resources; the future of agriculture in California and the US. |
|
|
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 102 |
| Title - |
California Floristics |
| Instructor - |
Daniel Potter |
| Units - |
5 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
Plant Sciences 2, Biological Sciences 1C, 2C, or equivalent course in plant science |
| Catalog Description - |
Survey of the flora of California, emphasizing recognition of important vascular plant families and genera and use of taxonomic keys for species identification. Current understanding of relationships among families. Principles of plant taxonomy and phylogenetic systematics. One Saturday field trip. |
| Summary - |
Study of the native and naturalized species of vascular plants in California. Families are covered in phylogenetic order, according to the most recently published phylogenetic analyses. In general, the Monday and Wednesday lectures emphasize the identification, classification, and phylogeny of of common families and genera of vascular plants, which are examined in the Tuesday and Thursday lab sessions, respectively, while the Friday lectures cover special topics related to the flora of California. These include lectures on principles of phylogenetic systematics, plant nomenclature and taxonomy, development of the California flora, California ethnobotany, rarity in plants (including ecological, evolutionary, environmental, and legal considerations), and invasive plant species in California. The laboratories allow ample time to dissect plants and examine their differences. Students become familiar with how to use identification keys and will be expected to know many common families and genera by sight. Several field trips taken during lab sessions and one Saturday field trip provide students opportunities to observe the plants in their natural habitats. |
|
|
| |
Return to top |
| |
|
| Course - |
PLS 105 |
| Title - |
Concepts in Pest Management |
| Instructor - |
Undetermined |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Not currently being offered |
| Prerequisites - |
Biological Sciences 1C or course 2, Chemistry 8B |
| Catalog Description - |
Introduction to the ecological principles of integrated pest management, biology of different classes of pests and the types of losses they cause, population assessment, evaluation of advantages and disadvantages of different techniques used for pest management, IPM programs. |
| Summary - |
Introduction to ecology of pests and their management
History of pest management
Ecosystem view of pests
- Trophic dynamics and food webs in relation to pests
Pest biology compared - analysis of how biology of different classes of pests impacts pests management strategies
Basis for making pest management decisions: In order to make informed choices between pest management options it is necessary to develop information about pest populations
Review different approaches to managing pests, contrast success and utility for different classes of pests
- Cultural approaches to pest management
- Approaches to managing pests through plant breeding
- Approaches to managing pests using biological control
- Mechanical (including other physical) approaches to managing pests
- The pesticide approach to managing pests:
-- A: Historical perspectives; The discovering process; Types of pesticides
-- B: Concepts of selectivity and efficacy; Application technology and its implications; Aspects of worker safety
-- C: Toxicology and environmental considerations
-- D: Concepts of pesticide resistance and its management
Federal Insectidice Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, Environmental Protection Agency, Cal EPA, registration, labels, tolerances, worker safety, and other legal aspects of pest management
Interactions between classes of pests: Pest management viewed at the ecosystems level
Role of ecosystem diversity in pest management
Development, implementation and examples of IPM programs
Environmental impacts and societal concerns about pest management |
|
|
| |
Return to top |
| |
|
| Course - |
PLS 110A |
| Title - |
Principles of Agronomic Crop Production in Temperate and Tropical Systems |
| Instructor - |
Jeffrey Mitchell |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall of odd numbered years |
| Prerequisites - |
course in general botany or course 2 recommended. |
| Catalog Description - |
Fundamentals of field crop production in temperate and tropical climates. Resource utilization and economic, political and social problems are considered in relation to technological problems and their influences on agricultural development. |
| Summary - |
Part One: Introduction
1. Introduction to temperate and tropical agriculture
2. World food supply
3. Agricultural policy
Part Two: Interaction with Environmental Factors Limiting Production
4. Climate and crop geography
5. The soil environment of crops
6. Light, temperature, and moisture requirements
7. Sustainability of agriculture
Part Three: Principles of Crop Production
8. Tillage, conventional and conservation
9. Seeds, germination and stand establishment
10. Water management and irrigation
11. Integrated Pest Management
Part Four: Crop Growth and Development
12. Tillering and canopy development
13. Determancy
14. Rhizosphere dynamics
15. Yield components
16. Intra- and intercrop competition |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 110C |
| Title - |
Crop Management Systems for Vegetable Production |
| Instructor - |
Jeffrey Mitchell |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall of even numbered years |
| Prerequisites - |
course 2; course 110A recommended |
| Catalog Description - |
Horticultural principles applied to production and management systems for vegetable crops. Laboratory and discussion will illustrate efficient field management and resource use practices. |
| Summary - |
Part One: Introduction
1. Characteristics of vegetables, classification systems
2. Vegetable demographics
3. Role in the food systems, human nutrition
4. Food safety and regulatory policy
Part Two: Environmental constraints/management opportunities
5. Crop selection; geographical constraints
6. Environmental control of vegetable growth, reproduction and quality
7. Microclimate manipulation, protected cultivation
Part Three: Principles of crop management
8. Stand establishment - seed, seedling, factors affecting germination, emergence, transplants, clones, asexual propagation
9. Spacing and plant populations
10. Water management, drought and salinity
11. Plant nutrition management
12. Horticultural uses of growth regulators
13. Pest management, concepts and strategies
14. Harvesting, scheduling and economics
15. Postharvest storage and handling; marketing
Part Four: Cropping systems and diversity: specific reviews
1. Asparagus
2. Artichokes
3. Carrots
4. Cole crops
5. Lettuce/celery
6. Onions/garlic
7. Potatoes/sweet potatoes
8. Tomoatoes - fresh/processing
9. Cucurbits
10. Peppers/sweet corn
11. Bush/pole beans
12. Speciality vegetables |
|
|
| |
Return to top |
| |
|
| Course - |
PLS 110L |
| Title - |
Principles of Agronomy Laboratory |
| Instructor - |
Jeffrey Mitchell |
| Units - |
1 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall of odd numbered years |
| Prerequisites - |
course 110A (may be taken concurrently) |
| Catalog Description - |
Field-oriented introduction to principles of agronomic crop production. |
| Summary - |
Selected tropical crops
Fiber crops
Oilseed crops
Seed production
Soils, classification, management
Sugarbeets, classification, management
Corn, production
Irrigation systems
Weed control
Agronomic research
Irrigated pastures and forages
Wheat breeding nursery
Winter cereal production
Production equipment
Processing of agronomic products |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 112 |
| Title - |
Forage Crop Production |
| Instructor - |
Larry Teuber |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring of odd numbered years |
| Prerequisites - |
course 2, Biological Sciences 1C, 2C, or consent of instructor |
| Catalog Description - |
Forages as a world resource in food production. Ecological principles governing the adaptation, establishment, growth and management of perennial and annual forages, including pastures, rangelands and hay; aspects of forage quality which affect feeding value to livestock. |
| Summary - |
Introduction
The botany of grasses and legumes
Plant families, genera, species and cultivars
Seeds and their characteristics, germination
Seed bed preparation, planting, and stand establishment
Vegetative growth and regrowth: mechanisms and ecophysiology of growth, regrowth, and survival
Diseases and insects
Competition
Flowering, seed production and some implications for grassland management
Nutrient cycling in managed grassland systems
Symbiotic nitrogen fixation
Fertilizers and their use in grassland systems
Water requirements, irrigation methods, and water management problems
Herbage quality and anti-quality factors
Regulation of animal intake and intake-productivity relationship
Physical impacts of grazing animals
Grazing management: principles and their application
Management of irrigated pastures
Conservation, supplementation, and feed-year budgeting
Concepts of efficiency in forage-livestock systems
Grasslands in farming systems |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 113 |
| Title - |
Biological Applications in Fruit Tree Management |
| Instructor - |
Theodore DeJong |
| Units - |
2 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Winter |
| Prerequisites - |
Plant Sciences 2, Biological Sciences 1C, 2C or equivalent. |
| Catalog Description - |
Physiology, growth, development and environmental requirements of fruit trees and the cultural practices used to maintain them. Emphasis on the application of biological principles in the culture of commercially important temperate zone fruit tree species. |
| Summary - |
1. Introduction - tree fruit production in California: what? where? why? when?
2. Daily and seasonal patterns of photosynthesis and carbon metabolism in relation to environmental factors
3. Water relations and vegetative growth and development: endogenous, environmental and cultural control of shoot growth
4. Juvenility, tree aging and the propagation of commercial fruit trees; characteristics of rootstocks and scion varieties
5. Dormancy, rest and chilling requirements of temperate deciduous fruit trees
6. Physiological and growth responses to pruning
7. Testing and Discussions |
|
|
| |
Return to top |
| |
|
| Course - |
PLS 114 |
| Title - |
Biological Applications in Fruit Production |
| Instructor - |
Theodore DeJong, Vito Polito |
| Units - |
2 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
Plant Sciences 2, Biological Sciences 1C or 2C; Plant Sciences 113 recommended. |
| Catalog Description - |
Reproductive biology of tree crop species. Biological principles of fruit production, tree nutrition and orchard management for optimizing cropping. Laboratories emphasize hands-on work with orchard tree systems that are done specifically to produce the crop. |
| Summary - |
Floral types involved in producing fruit and nut crops
Pollination systems and planting systems used to meet pollination requirements
Plant mating systems including incompatibility
Factors influencing fruit set
Fruit growth and development and cultural practices used to optimize them
Fruit tree mineral nutrition
Irrigation scheduling and systems
Root growth and physiology in the orchard environment
Harvest and postharvest management of the crop |
|
|
| |
Return to top |
| |
|
| Course - |
PLS 120 |
| Title - |
Applied Statistics in Agricultural Sciences |
| Instructor - |
Larry Teuber, Juan Medrano |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall |
| Prerequisites - |
Upper Division Standing |
| Catalog Description - |
Application of statistical methods to design and analysis of research trials for plant, animal, behavioral, nutritional, and consumer sciences. Basic concepts and statistical methods are presented in lectures, laboratories emphasize data processing techniques, problem solving, and interpretation in specialized fields. |
| Summary - |
1. Data exploration and summarization
2. Normal and t distributions
3. Chi Square distribution for Goodness of Fit and Contingency Tables
4. Inferences for a population mean
5. Inferences for two population means
6. ANOVA - Completely randomized design
7. ANOVA - Randomized complete block design
8. Factorial treatment design
9. Mean comparison
10. Simple linear regression |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 130 |
| Title - |
Rangelands: Ecology, Conservation and Restoration |
| Instructor - |
Kevin Rice |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Winter of even numbered years |
| Prerequisites - |
Biological Sciences 1C; introductory ecology course and junior standing recommended. |
| Catalog Description - |
Introduction to the ecological principles and processes important for an understanding of the dynamics of range ecosystems. Emphasis on ecological and evolutionary concepts underlying management strategies for conserving biological diversity and environmental quality in rangelands. |
| Summary - |
Global distribution of rangeland ecosystems
Physical environmental factors of rangeland: macro- and microclimatic scales
Plant-herbivore interactions and coevolution in grassland ecosystems
Drought and plant adaptation in rangelands
The role of fire in the ecology and management of rangelands
Impacts and management of exotic species in rangelands
Riparian systems and managing for water quality
Woody species as keystone species in rangeland communities
Conservation of threatened and endangered species in western rangelands |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 131 |
| Title - |
Identification and Ecology of Grasses |
| Instructor - |
Kevin Rice |
| Units - |
2 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring of odd numbered years |
| Prerequisites - |
Biological Sciences 1C or course 2; Plant Biology 102 and junior standing recommended |
| Catalog Description - |
Taxonomy and identification of western grasses. Development of skills in using plant identification keys. Ecology and evolution of grasses in grazing ecosystems. Given the week following spring quarter. |
| Summary - |
Introduction to basic taxonomic concepts
Introduction to the use of taxonimic keys
Specialized terminology of the grasses
Anatomy and development of the grass plant
Introduction to the major grass tribes
Recognition characteristics of major grass genera
Coevolution of grasses and herbivores
Adaptations of grasses to drought and fire
Beneficial uses of grasses in ecological restoration |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 135 |
| Title - |
Ecology and Community Structure of Grassland and Savannah Herbivores |
| Instructor - |
Montague Demment |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Check with advising office |
| Prerequisites - |
Biological Sciences 1A or 1B and course 2, or Biological Sciences 1C; general ecology course (Environmental Science and Policy 100) recommended |
| Catalog Description - |
Feeding ecology of grassland herbivores and its importance in evolution of herbivore communities and social systems. Optimal foraging, interspecific interactions, and primary productivity are considered as factors structuring natural and managed grassland and savannah systems. |
| Summary - |
I. Nutritional ecology of herbivores
a. Chemistry of plant material and the evolution of microbial digestion
b. Body size and the evolution of ruminant and nonruminant digestive systems
c. Determinants of nutritive value of plants as foods for herbivores
d. Concept of optimal foraging for herbivores: a synthesis of nutrition, behavior, and ecology
II. Feeding ecology of herbivore species and implications for the evolution of social systems
a. Interspecific differences in social systems
1. Distribution and density of foods and the evolution of herbivore systems
b. Intraspecific social differences
1. The effect of habitat and food supply on the social organization in deer and ungulates
III. Ecology of grassland and savanna systems
a. Concept of the niche and interspecific interactions
b. Productivity of plant components and nutritive differentiation
c. Productivity of grassland systems
1. Stocking rate, population density, and productivity in managed and natural systems |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 141 |
| Title - |
Ethnobotany |
| Instructor - |
Daniel Potter |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Winter of odd numbered years |
| Prerequisites - |
course 2, Biological Sciences 1C or 2C. |
| Catalog Description - |
Relationships and interactions between plants and people, including human perceptions, management, and uses of plants, influences of plants on human cultures, and effects of human activity on plant ecology and evolution. Concepts, questions, methods, and ethical considerations in ethnobotanical research. |
| Summary - |
1. Background
* Definitions and scope of ethnobotany and economic botany
* History of ethnobotany and economic botany
* Contemporary ethnobotany
* Local ethnobotany
2. Botany of culturally important plants
* Plant chemistry and structure in relation to human uses
* Plant diversity and phylogeny in relation to human uses
3. Perceptions of plants by humans
* Traditional systems of plant classification (ethnotaxonomy) in comparison to scientific systems
* Symbolic, mythological, ceremonial, and ritualistic uses of plants
4. Research methods in ethnobotany
* Botanical approaches
* Anthropological approaches
* Ecological approaches
5. Diversity and economic botany of plants used for specific purposes
* Food plants
* Plants used in material culture
* Medicinal and hallucinogenic plants; ethnopharmacology
6. Management of plants by humans
* Traditional approaches: tending, gathering, fire
* Cultivation, domestication, and the origins of agriculture
7. Ethical, political, and environmental considerations
* Ethnobotany and intellectual property rights
* Ethnobotany and conservation
8. Student reports on group and individual projects |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 142 |
| Title - |
Ecology of Crop Systems |
| Instructor - |
Arnold Bloom |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Winter |
| Prerequisites - |
Plant Sciences 2 or Biological Sciences 1C or 2C; Mathematics 16A or Physics 1A, or consent of instructor |
| Catalog Description - |
Ecological processes governing the structure and behavior of managed ecosystems. Emphasis on mechanistic and systems views of the physical environment, photosynthetic productivity, competition, adaptation, nutrient cycling, energy relations and contemporary issues such as climate change. |
| Summary - |
The course aims at providing an introduction to agricultural ecology with special emphasis on production processes and on the nature and diversity of agricultural systems. It is designed to integrate and build on previous experiences in plant and environmental sciences and to provide experience in solving quantitative problems in agroecology. |
|
|
| |
Return to top |
| |
|
| Course - |
PLS 144 |
| Title - |
Trees and Forests |
| Instructor - |
Alison Berry, Randy Dahlgren, Kevin Rice |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall |
| Prerequisites - |
Plant Sciences 2 or Biological Sciences 1C or 2C |
| Catalog Description - |
Biological structure and function of trees as organisms; understanding of forests as communities and as ecosystems; use of forests by humans; tree phenology, photosynthesis, respiration, soil processes, life histories, dormancy, forest biodiversity, and agroforestry. |
| Summary - |
1. Introduction, tree form and function, unique aspects of trees
2. Carbon balance, photosynthesis, respiration
3. Tree phenology, productivity
4. Life history patterns
5. Dormancy, cold hardiness, phenotypic plasticity
6. Forest soils, nutrient cycling
7. Roots, mycorrhizae, decomposition processes
8. Plant distribution and biodiversity
9. Historic use of forests, sustainable forest management
10. Forest decline, agroforestry |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 145 |
| Title - |
Sierra Nevada Flora |
| Instructor - |
Pamela Ronald |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
See advising office. |
| Prerequisites - |
Plant Biology 102 or 108 or Evolution and Ecology 121 or Environmental Horticulture 105. |
| Catalog Description - |
An introduction to the flora of the Sierra Nevada. Basic plant identification, the principal plant communities and species of the Sierra Nevada. Class offered the first two weeks in July in the Sierra Nevada. |
| Summary - |
Mixed Conifer forest
Serpentine vegetation
Lower montane forest
Montane wetlands
Sub-alpine flora
Alpine flora
East side alpine forest
East side desert
Forest pathology |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 150 |
| Title - |
Sustainability and Agroecosystem Management |
| Instructor - |
Johan Six |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
Soil Science 10, Chemistry 2A, and Plant Sciences 2, Biological Sciences 1C or 2C. |
| Catalog Description - |
Interdisciplinary analysis of agricultural production and food systems with primary emphasis on biophysical processes. General concepts governing the functioning of temperate and tropical agroecosystems in relation to resource availability, ecological sustainability, and socio-economic viability. Comparative ecological analyses of agroecosystems. |
| Summary - |
This course is based on a framework of interdisciplinary analyses of agricultural production and food systems with primary emphasis on biophysical factors, processes and interactions. Focus will be on general concepts governing the functioning of temperate and tropical agroecosystems in relation to resource availability, ecological sustainability, and socio-economic viability across the globe. We will examine strategies to increase resource use efficiency while minimizing negative impacts on the environment an ensuring socio-economic viability in temperate and tropical regions. We will conduct comparative analysis of approaches to agriculture and its sustainability, including historical examples and trends, alternative systems, and its relationship to other land uses. We will explore how to holistically plan and manage systems for all-encompassing ecological sustainability. Laboratory activities will provide hands-on experience in ecological analyses of agricultural systems, e.g nutrient budgeting, evaluating insect population dynamics, assessing crop competition, appraisals from the field to the watershed scale. |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 151 |
| Title - |
Plant Natural Product Chemistry |
| Instructor - |
Kentaro Inoue, Daniel Kliebenstein |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall |
| Prerequisites - |
Biological Sciences 101 and 103, or the equivalent. |
| Catalog Description - |
Traditional biochemical and modern genetic approaches for studying plant-derived compounds such as isoprenoids, alkaloids, and phenylpropanoids. The impact of plant-derived compounds on biological processes in ecology, evolution and nutrition. |
| Summary - |
1 Concepts of natural product chemistry. Traditional and modern approaches.
2 Chemistry and biological importance of monoterpenes, triterpenes, and carotenoids. Biosynthetic pathways to isopentenyl pyrophosphate, the common precursor for isoprenoids, and also to carotenoids, monoterpenes, and phytohormones.
3 Chemistry and biological importance of terpenoid indole, benzylisoquinoline and tropane alkaloids. Common initiation point of amino acid decarboxylation. Few unique steps per pathway, mostly similar enzymes leading to highly divergent structures. Highly intricate subcellular organization and regulation.
4 Chemistry and function of simple hydroxycinnamic acids, lignins, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and stilbenes. Biosynthetic pathway and regulation of these compounds.
5 Chemistry and function of glucosinolates, involving both the biosynthetic and degredative control of biological activities.
6 Chemistry and function of phenolics not related to the phenylpropanoids. Highly diverse group of structures with many required biological roles.
7 Examples of how a novel biosynthetic pathway has arisen, as well as how existing pathways are modified through evolutionary forces will be discussed.
8 Chemistry and function of glycosides and their aglycones in the context of self defense of plants. Metabolism of cyanogenic glycosides, saponins, and phytohormone glycosides. |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 152 |
| Title - |
Plant Genetics |
| Instructor - |
Diane Beckles |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall |
| Prerequisites - |
Biological Sciences 1A or 2A or consent of instructor. |
| Catalog Description - |
Basic principles of transmission genetics, cytogenetics, population and quantitative genetics, and molecular genetics. Practical aspects of genetic crosses and analysis of segregating populations. |
| Summary - |
I. Plant Reproduction:
* Mitosis, Meiosis, Plant Reproductive Biology and Mating Systems, Self- Incompatibility
II. Transmission Genetics:
* Mendelian Principles, Genetic Ratios, Interaction of Genes, Cytoplasmic genomes
III. Cytogenetics:
* Organization of Chromosomes, Ploidy, Chromosomal Abnormalities, Application to agriculture
IV. Plant genome structure and organization
* Genome size and composition, synteny, repetitive elements, retrotransposons
V. Plant Epigenetics
* Maize transposable elements, paramutations, genome imprinting, RNAi, microRNAs
VI. Genetic Mapping and positional cloning in plants
* Principles of mapping, Molecular approaches, QTLs
VII. Quantitative and Population Genetics:
* Heritability, Genotypic and Phenotypic Variation, Hardy-Weinberg Law, Genetic Variation |
|
|
| |
Return to top |
| |
|
| Course - |
PLS 154 |
| Title - |
Introduction to Plant Breeding |
| Instructor - |
Dina St. Clair |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Winter |
| Prerequisites - |
Course 152, Biological Sciences 101 or consent of instructor. |
| Catalog Description - |
The principles, methods and applications of plant breeding and genetics to the improvement of crop plants. Illustration of how plant breeding is a dynamic, multidisciplinary, constantly-evolving science. Laboratory emphasizes hands-on experience in the basics of breeding through experiments. |
| Summary - |
Genetic diversity, germplasm and gene pools
Reproductive systems of plants and manipulation in breeding
Genetic and environmental variance, heritability
Phenotypic, genetic and environmental variance, heritability
Theory of selection, changes in gene frequency
Breeding and selection strategies: self-pollinated crops
Breeding and selection strategies: cross-pollinated crops |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 157 |
| Title - |
Physiology of Environmental Stresses in Plants |
| Instructor - |
James Richards |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
See advising office. |
| Prerequisites - |
course 100C or Plant Biology 111 or 112 or Environmental Horticulture 102 or Viticulture and Enology 110 |
| Catalog Description - |
Stress concepts and principles; molecular, physiological, developmental and morphological characteristics enabling plants to avoid or tolerate environmental stresses; stress acclimation and adaptation processes; responses of wild and cultivated species to drought, flooding, nutrient deficiencies, salinity, toxic ions, extreme temperatures, etc. |
| Summary - |
Introduction
* Patterns of response to stress; resistance strategies, acclimation processes, adaptation processes; effects on productivity and distribution of plants
Temperature stresses (and interactions with high light)
* Freezing stresses
* Chilling stresses
* High temperature stresses
General stress response mechanisms
* Signaling and stress acclimation
* Osmolytes
* Control of oxidative damage during stress
* Protective compounds
Salinity: stress response mechanisms
* Toxic ion effects
* Nutritional effects
* Osmotic stress
Water stresses: stress response mechanisms
* Drought
* Flooding
Nutrient stresses: stress response mechanisms
* Low nutrient availability
* Toxic ions (e.g. heavy metals, Se, B, Al, etc) (selected topics) |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 158 |
| Title - |
Mineral Nutrition of Plants |
| Instructor - |
Patrick Brown, James Richards |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
course 100A or Plant Biology 111 or Environmental Horticulture 102 or Viticulture and Enology 110 |
| Catalog Description - |
Evolution and scope of plant nutrition; essential elements; mechanisms of absorption and membrane transporters; translocation and allocation processes; mineral metabolism; deficiencies and toxicities; genetic variation in plant nutrition; applications to management and understanding ecological effects of nutrient availability or deficiency. |
| Summary - |
I. Introduction; Essential Elements; Experimental Methods
* Introduction to plant nutrition; scope and goals
* Definition and classification of mineral nutrients; concentration or function
* Mineral contents of plants and soils; concentration and content
* Experimental methods in mineral nutrition
II. Absorption and Transport of Mineral Nutrients
* Root anatomy and development review; pathways of nutrient movement during uptake
* Ion uptake-short distance transport; mechanisms and regulation; molecular aspects of membrane transport
* Long distance transport; mechanisms and processes of transport in xylem and phloem
* Review and discussion of short and long distance transport
III. Nutrient Availability and Soil Supply Processes
* Soil nutrient availability; inputs, losses, retention
* Soil nutrient availability; nitrogen cycle
* Soil supply processes; interception, mass flow and diffusion
* Modeling soil supply and nutrient uptake
* Plant and soil factors affecting nutrient uptake
* Review of nutrient availability and supply; model results
IV. Assimilation and Functions of Mineral Nutrients in Plant Metabolism
* Classification of mineral nutrients
* N2 fixation; symbioses and biochemistry
* N assimilation and functions; deficiency effects and symptoms
* P functions; deficiency effects and symptoms
* Mycorrhizal symbioses; effects on N and P acquisition
* S assimilation and functions; deficiency effects and symptoms
* Functions of other macronutrients; deficiency effects and symptoms
* Functions of micronutrients and beneficial elements; deficiency effects and symptoms
* Rhizosphere effects in nutrient acquisition
* Nutrition and disease resistance
* Mineral deficiencies and growth; diagnosis of deficiencies
* Applications to crop and orchard management
V. Ecological and Genetic Aspects of Mineral Nutrition
* Adaptation to nutrient deficiencies and soil toxicities
* Genetic variation in nutrient acquisition and utilization
* Competition for mineral nutrients |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 160 |
| Title - |
Agroforestry: Global and Local Perspectives |
| Instructor - |
Thomas Gradziel |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall of even numbered years |
| Prerequisites - |
course 2 or Biological Sciences 1C; Plant Biology 142 or a general ecology course (Environmental Science and Policy 100). |
| Catalog Description - |
Traditional and evolving use of trees in agricultural ecosystems; their multiple roles in environmental stabilization and production of food, fuel, and fiber; and socioeconomic barriers to the adoption and implementation of agroforestry practices. |
| Summary - |
1. Overview of agroforestry systems (AF)
2. Population growth, the fuelwood crisis and the roles of trees in tropical agroecosystems
3. Shifting cultivation systems
4. Alley cropping: conceptual overview, perceptions and realities
5. Alley cropping: competition and yield issues
6. Importance of symbiotic nitogen fixation in AF systems, nutrient cycling and nutrient capture
7. Socio-economic barriers to the adoption of agroforestry practices
8. The role of indigenous knowledge in the adoption of agroforestry practices |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 162 |
| Title - |
Urban Ecology |
| Instructor - |
Mary Cadenasso |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Winter |
| Prerequisites - |
A course in general or plant ecology (course 142, Plant Biology 117 Environmental Science and Policy 100, or Evolution and Ecology 101) |
| Catalog Description - |
Application of fundamental concepts and approaches in landscape and ecosystem ecology to urban ecosystems. Ecological and social drivers and responses. Landscape heterogeneity, nutrient dynamics, invasive species, altered hydrology and climate, and pollution. Discussion of primary literature. |
| Summary - |
1. Urban growth in the US
2. Ecological approaches to understanding cities:
1. systems/metaphors
2. gradients of urbanization
3. landscape - heterogeneity and patch dynamics
4. ecosystem - nutrient budgets
5. watersheds and riparian zone dynamics
6. ecological and social legacies
3. Application of conservation approaches
1. island biogeography theory
2. habitat fragmentation/isolation
4. Invasive species and biotic homogenization
5. Evolutionary response to urbanization
6. Urban climate and plant response
7. Global carbon use and storage in urban ecosystems
8. Water and air pollution in urban ecosystems
9. Ingrating ecological and social drivers and responders of ecosystem structure and function in urban landscapes
10. History of the development of urban ecology in the U.S. |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 170A |
| Title - |
Fruit and Nut Cropping Systems |
| Instructor - |
Thomas Gradziel |
| Units - |
2 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall of odd numbered years |
| Prerequisites - |
course 2, Biological Sciences 1C, or consent of instructor |
| Catalog Description - |
Overview of production and handling systems of major pomological crops, analysis of current cultural and harvesting problems and concerns associated with commercial fruit growing. |
| Summary - |
Cropping systems taught on a crop by crop basis, including for each crop:
1. The plant (genetic and physiological components)
2. Environmental constraints (adaptability)
3. Orchard management (cultural practices, pest and disease management, etc.)
4. Post-harvest handling, marketing, and economics
Principles are taught in relation to the unique characteristics, problems, and practices associated with each crop. Continuity from crop to crop is provided to give a progressive development of principles and practices. The botanical characteristics of each crop are also discussed.
Crops to be discussed include:
pecan
walnut
almond
pistachio
chestnut
olive
fig
persimmon
citrus
avocado
minor sub-tropical fruits |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 170B |
| Title - |
Fruit and Nut Cropping Systems |
| Instructor - |
Thomas Gradziel |
| Units - |
2 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring of even numbered years |
| Prerequisites - |
course 2, Biological Sciences 1C, or consent of instructor. |
| Catalog Description - |
Overview of production and handling systems of major pomological crops, including analysis of current cultural and harvesting problems and concerns associated with commercial fruit growing. |
| Summary - |
Cropping systems taught on a crop by crop basis, including for each crop:
1. The plant (genetic and physiological components)
2. Environmental constraints (adaptability)
3. Orchard management (cultural practices, pest and disease management, etc.)
4. Post-harvest handling, marketing, and economics
Principles are taught in relation to the unique characteristics, problems, and practices associated with each crop. Continuity from crop to crop is provided to give a progressive development of principles and practices. The botanical characteristics of each crop are also discussed.
Crops to be discussed include:
kiwifruit
freesone peach/nectarine
clingstone peach
plum
prune
apricot
sweet cherry
apple
pear
Asian pear |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 171 |
| Title - |
Principles and Practices of Plant Propagation |
| Instructor - |
David Burger |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
Plant Sciences 2, Biological Sciences 1C or 2C. |
| Catalog Description - |
Principles and practices of propagating plants covering anatomical, physiological, and practical aspects. |
| Summary - |
1. Propagation by seeds
* a. Life cycle of plant
* b. Principles of propagation by seeds
* c. Techniques of propagation by seeds
2. Propagation by grafting and budding
* a. Theoretical aspects of grafting and budding
* b. Techniques of grafting
* c. Techniques of budding
3. Propagation by layering
* a. Principles of propagation by layering
* b. Techniques of propagation by layering
4. Propagation by specialized stems and roots
* a. Principles of propagation by specialized stems and roots
* b. Techniques of propagation by seeds
5. Propagation by cuttings
* a. Anatomical and physiological aspects
* b. Techniques of propagation by cuttings
6. Propagation by micropropagation
* a. Theoretical aspects of micropropagation
* b. Potential of micropropagation
* c. Techniques of aseptic culture |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 172 |
| Title - |
Postharvest Physiology and Technology |
| Instructor - |
Mikal Saltveit, Michael Reid, Florence Zakharov |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall |
| Prerequisites - |
General plant science background (e.g., Plant Sciences 2, 12); Plant Science 196 recommended. |
| Catalog Description - |
Overview of physiological processes related to maturation and senescence of plant products and their responses to postharvest stresses. Targeted approaches and technologies to maintain product quality and limit postharvest disorders. |
| Summary - |
- Morphology, growth and development of harvested products
- Composition and nutritional value of harvested products
- Measurement of product quality
* Composition--sugars, acids, phytonutrients, aroma volatiles
* Color
* Texture
* Taste
- Physics and technologies of cooling
- Psychrometrics and water loss
- Modified and controlled atmosphere
- Postharvest disorders
- Responses to postharvest stress (chilling injury, high temperature stress, water stress)
- Postharvest metabolic processes and respiration
- Ripening control and ethylene
- Postharvest pathology, host/pathogen interactions
- Role of calcium in postharvest biology |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 173 |
| Title - |
Molecular and Cellular Aspects of Postharvest Biology |
| Instructor - |
Kentaro Inoue, Florence Zakharov |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
Plant Sciences 2, Biological Sciences 1C, 2C or equivalent. |
| Catalog Description - |
Basic concepts and current knowledge of issues relevant to postharvest biology. Mechanisms of fruit ripening, senescence, programmed cell death. Metabolism and functions of phytohormones, carbohydrates, lipids, pigments, flavor compounds, and phytonutrients at molecular and cellular levels. |
| Summary - |
Topics:
a. Examination of signal transduction pathways: signals, receptors, signal amplification, cross-talk between pathways
b. Molecular basis of fruit ripening and senescence
c. Mechanistic details of the function of phytohormones for fruit ripening and senescence of horticultural crops
d. Significance and molecular basis of programmed cell death
e. Basic concepts and postharvest change of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids
f. Structure and metabolism of cell wall
g. Biosynthesis and catabolism of pigments derived from phenylpropanoids and isoprenoids
h. Biosynthesis and perception of flavor compounds
i. Biosynthesis and catabolism of antioxidant compounds
j. Genetic, biochemical and molecular aspects of plant-pathogen interaction |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 174 |
| Title - |
Microbiology and Safety of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables |
| Instructor - |
Trevor Suslow |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall |
| Prerequisites - |
Course 002 or Biological Sciences 1C or 2C or equivalent |
| Catalog Description - |
Overview of microorganisms on fresh produce, pre- and postharvest factors influencing risk of microbial contamination, attachment of microorganisms to produce, multiplication during postharvest handling and storage, and methods of detection. Mock outbreak trial and presentation of science-based forensic discovery. |
| Summary - |
Overview of microbiology of horticultural foods
Microorganisms involved in postharvest decay and spoilage
History of microbial food safety issues on fresh produce
Microorganisms of concern for safety of fresh produce
Contamination and state of microflora on fresh produce
* Attachment of microorganisms to fresh produce
* Internalization and infiltration
Interventions to reduce microbial contamination on fresh produce
* Good agricultural practices for food safety
* Washing and sanitizing treatments for fresh fruits and vegetables
* Interaction of human pathogens with decay pathogens
* Cross-over pathogens, plant and animal pathogenesis
Mycotoxin production and chemical contamination of fresh produce
Microbial evaluation of fruits and vegetables
* Rapid detection of microbial contaminants
* Sampling, detection and enumeration of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms
* Outbreaks, tracebacks, and environmental detection and investigation
Ag-Interface Conflicts
* Environmental quality and food safety
International food safety standards and policy |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 176 |
| Title - |
Introduction to Weed Science |
| Instructor - |
Albert Fischer, Joseph DiTomaso |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Winter |
| Prerequisites - |
Plant Sciences 2 or Biological Sciences 1C or 2C |
| Catalog Description - |
Principles of weed science including: Weed biology and ecology, methods of weed management, biological control, herbicides and herbicide resistance. Weed control in managed and natural ecosystems; invasive species. Laws and regulations. Application of herbicides. Sight identification of common weeds. |
| Summary - |
LECTURE
Introduction
Integrated pest management
Weed biology (life cycles, reproduction)
Weeds and their seeds (seed production, dispersal, and biology; seed banks)
Weed ecology; management of weed population growth
Interference from weeds
Methods of weed control (including biological, cultural, mechanical, chemical)
Management of invasive species
Herbicides and the plant
Herbicides and the soil
Herbicide selectivity
Genetic and molecular approaches to weed science
Herbicide resistance
Environmental implications relating to herbicides
Laws and licenses concerning herbicides
LABORATORY
Identification of common weeds and weed seedlings
Simple modeling for management decisions based on weed competition and population dynamics
Perennial weeds
Types of herbicides and selectivity
Nozzles, spray patterns, pumps, etc.
Sprayer calibration and rate calculations
Herbicide formulations
Symptoms of herbicide damage
Examination and weekly quizzes |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 178 |
| Title - |
Biology and Management of Aquatic Plants |
| Instructor - |
Lars Anderson |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall of odd numbered years |
| Prerequisites - |
Course 2, Biological Sciences 1C or 2C; Chemistry 8B or 118B; course 100C, Plant Biology 111, Environmental Horticulture 102, or Hydrologic Science 122 recommended. |
| Catalog Description - |
Brief survey of common and invasive fresh water plants and macroalgae, their reproductive modes, physiology, growth (photosynthesis, nutrient utilization), development (hormonal interactions), ecology, modes and impacts of invasion, and management. Two Saturday field trips required. |
| Summary - |
This course provides a background for understanding the physical and biological characteristics of aquatic plants and how these affect the role of aquatic plants in the environments. Examples of interesting and unique growth, reproductive and invasive capacities of aquatic plants are covered as well as details of their impacts and effective strategies and methods for management. Field trips are designed for first hand experience with, and exposure to aquatic plants in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and to one or more irrigation systems. Topics for future research and public, environmental policy issues are also covered. |
|
|
| |
Return to top |
| |
|
| Course - |
PLS 180 |
| Title - |
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems |
| Instructor - |
Richard Plant |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall |
| Prerequisites - |
course 21 or equivalent familiarity with computers, course 120 or equivalent; Mathemathics 16A. |
| Catalog Description - |
Management and analysis of georeferenced data. Spatial database management and modeling. Applications to agriculture, biological resource management and social sciences. Cartographic modeling. Vector and raster-based geographic information systems. |
| Summary - |
1. Introduction to GIS
2. Basic concepts of cartography
3. Management of geographic data
4. Raster-based data analysis
5. Vector-based data analysis
6. Visualization of geographic information
7. Data quality and error analysis
8. Example GIS application
9. Basic concepts in digital terrain modeling
10. Basic concepts in statistical analysis of geographic data |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 188 |
| Title - |
Undergraduate Research Proposal |
| Instructor - |
Daniel Kliebenstein |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
Upper division standing |
| Catalog Description - |
Preparation and review of a scientific proposal. Problem definition, identification of objectives, literature survey, hypothesis generation, design of experiments, data analysis planning, proposal outline and preparation. |
| Summary - |
In the lecture component of the course students will gain a clear understanding of the scientific process, its strengths and limitations. In the group discussions, they will develop a research proposal, present their ideas in a clear and logical manner, give and receive criticism, and learn how to revise scholarly work. Students will be matched individually with faculty mentors having expertise in the student's chosen topic. In some cases the student will have participated in research with the faculty mentor, in other cases the mentor will be selected from the faculty participating in their major (Plant Sciences or Biotechnology). The completed proposal will be in the form appropriate for submission to a granting agency and will be the basis for research conducted in the companion course PLS 189L or BIT 189L.
1. Scientific communication: grants, manuscripts and seminars
2. The basis of the scientific method, deduction, induction, and hypothesis testing
3. Putting your best foot forward: how to prepare a curriculum vitae and biographical sketches
4. Components of a research proposal
5. Library research and background information
6. What are controls and how do you analyze results?
7. How to develop the appropriate experimental procedure
8. Defining a project rationale
9. Outlining and preparing a draft proposal
10. The role of peer review in scientific communication
|
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 189L |
| Title - |
Laboratory Research in Plant Sciences |
| Instructor - |
Various |
| Units - |
1-5 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer |
| Prerequisites - |
course 188 and consent of instructor |
| Catalog Description - |
Formulating experimental approaches to current questions in plant science; performance of proposed experiments. |
| Summary - |
Students will learn methods and procedures in research related to plant science. The experiments will be based on the proposals developed in the companion course PLS 188 and will be carried out in appropriate research labs on campus. This course provides a research experience that can be the basis of an undergraduate honors thesis. |
|
The student will carry out the experiments designed in PLS 188 with data analysis and interpretation being integral activities of the course. The specific knowledge gained will depend upon the subject matter but will include the importance of logical thinking, critical analysis, and experimental controls. |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 190 |
| Title - |
Seminar on Alternatives in Agriculture |
| Instructor - |
Mark Van Horn |
| Units - |
2 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Winter |
| Prerequisites - |
upper division standing |
| Catalog Description - |
Seminar on topics related to alternative theories, practices and systems of agriculture and the relationship of agriculture to the environment and society. Scientific, technological, social, political and economic perspectives. |
| Summary - |
Seminar on topics related to alternative theories, practices and systems of agriculture and the relationship of agriculture to the environment and society. Scientific, technological, social, political and economic perspectives. |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 196 |
| Title - |
Postharvest Technology of Horticultural Crops |
| Instructor - |
Elizabeth Mitcham |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
Upper division or graduate student standing. |
| Catalog Description - |
Intensive study of postharvest considerations and current procedures and challenges in postharvest handling for fruits, nuts, vegetables, and ornamentals in California. Scheduled first two weeks immediately following last day of spring quarter. Considered a spring course for pre-enrollment. |
| Summary - |
1. An overview of postharvest biology of horticultural crops
2. Harvesting systems, maturity and maturity indices
3. Food safety
4. Cooling prior to shipment: methods, evaluation of efficiency
5. Storage: importance of, methods, facilities, equipment, management of environmental conditions including controlled atmospheres
6. Ethylene: biosynthesis, treatments, exclusion and removal
7. Transport: systems, loading patterns, environmental control, use of modified atmospheres
8. Sanitation and other procedures related to decay and insect control
9. Standardization and inspection, quality evaluation and control
10. Energy use in postharvest technology procedures
11. Marketing of fresh horticultural crops
12. Harvesting and postharvest handling systems for various commodity groups |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 205 |
| Title - |
Experimental Design and Analysis |
| Instructor - |
Jorge Dubcovsky |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Winter |
| Prerequisites - |
Course 120 or equivalent. |
| Catalog Description - |
Introduction to the research process and statistical methods to plan, conduct and interpret experiments. |
| Summary - |
1 Scientific method and statistical models
2 Distributions and sampling, hypothesis testing. Calculation of sample size.
3 Fundamentals of ANOVA
4 Orthogonal contrasts
5 Mean separation
6 Blocked and Latin square designs
7 Transformations
8 Factorial analysis
9 Unbalanced designs
10 Fixed, random, and mixed models
11 Split plot designs and repeated measures
12 Covariance analysis
13 Non-parametric methods |
|
|
| |
Return to top |
| |
|
| Course - |
PLS 206 |
| Title - |
Applied Multivariate Modeling in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences |
| Instructor - |
Emilio Laca |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Fall |
| Prerequisites - |
One of: Course 120, Statistics 106, 108, course 205 or equivalent. |
| Catalog Description - |
Multivariate linear and nonlinear models. Model selection and parameter estimation. Analysis of manipulative and observational agroecological experiments. Discriminant, principal component, and path analyses. Logistic and biased regression. Bootstrapping. Exercises based on actual research by UCD students. |
| Summary - |
Overview of regression analysis and multivariate statistical modeling. Emphasis on covering a wide variety of techniques and preparing students for further individual study according to their specific needs. SAS, R and or JMP software. Identification and exploration of core analytical concepts that result in the variety of tests traditionally taught as unrelated. The basic linear model Y=BX as the general case for multiple linear regression, analysis of variance, nonlinear regression, mixed models, time series and geostatistics. Translation of research questions into statistically testable hypotheses. |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 211 |
| Title - |
Principles and Practices of HPLC |
| Instructor - |
Sham Goyal |
| Units - |
2 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
undergraduate physics and chemistry; Biological Sciences 102, 103 recommended |
| Catalog Description - |
Principles and theory of HPLC involving various modes of separation and detection. Optimization of separation using isocratic and gradient elution. Develop practical knowledge about the use, maintenance and troubleshooting of HPLC equipment, including HPLC columns. Development of new HPLC methods. |
| Summary - |
Topical Outline:
1. Introduction: history and evolution definitions, advantages over other analytical methods including GC, terminology
2-3. Theoretical aspects of separation, mobile phase/stationary phase, concept of band-broadening and its control, high-efficiency in chromotography, use of smaller size stationary phase particles
4. Modes of separation: partition (normal phase, reverse phase), ion-exchange, ion-exclusion, ion-pair, adsorption, ligand exchange
5. Modes of detection: spectrophotometric, florescence, refractive index, conductivity, electro-chemical, radio-activity
6. Components of a HPLC (hardware): pumps, injectors, columns, tubing used for plumbing, other fittings (e.g., back-pressure regulators, unions, pressure-relief valves, etc.), other specialized components (e.g., column heater, post-column reactor, etc.)
7-8. Optimizing HPLC separation: isocratic elution, gradient elution, eluant flow rates, eluant composition, dead volumes
9. Trouble-shooting and some general considerations: increase in back-pressure, changing retention times, erratic flow rate, poor separation
10. Development of new HPLC methods and data-acquisition and handling: use of microcomputers and integrators, peak normalization and identification, internal standards, external standards |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 212 |
| Title - |
Postharvest Biology and Biotechnology of Fruits and Nuts |
| Instructor - |
Elizabeth Mitcham, Florence Zakharov |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring of odd numbered years |
| Prerequisites - |
Plant Science 172 |
| Catalog Description - |
Review of postharvest biology of fruits and nuts and biotechnological approaches to address postharvest challenges. Morphology, biology and postharvest handling of fruits and nuts are presented along with current research, including biotechnology, and discussion of future research needs and approaches. |
| Summary - |
Subjects to be covered for each commodity or group of commodities:
a. Maturity indices -- determination of optimum harvesting dates
b. Commodity characteristics: morphological, physiological, and biochemical
c. Commodity requirements (temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric composition, etc.)
d. Quality criteria, description of, determination methods
e. Physiological disorders & pathological diseases
f. Harvesting & postharvest handling systems
g. Biotechnological approaches to postharvest challenges
g. Future research needs
Commodities:
1. Pome fruits
2. Stone fruits
3. Tomato
4. Bushberries & strawberry
5. Grape
6. Kiwifruit
7. Persimmon, pomegranate
8. Melons
7. Nuts: almond, pistachio, walnut
8. Citrus fruits
9. Avocado
10. Banana and plantain
11. Pineapple, passion fruit
12. Papaya, guava
13. Mango
|
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 213 |
| Title - |
Postharvest Physiology of Vegetables |
| Instructor - |
Mikal Saltveit |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
Plant Biology 112 or 172 |
| Catalog Description - |
Comparative physiology of harvest vegetables; emphasis on maturation, senescence, compositional changes, physiological disorders and effects of environmental factors. Concepts and research procedures. |
| Summary - |
1. Introduction and overview of physiological processes. General nature of maturation, ripening and senescence. Effects of environmental factors on harvested vegetables.
2. Ripening of fruits: melons, tomatoes, etc. Maturation, ripening, biochemical and physiological changes, role of ethylene, chilling injury, temperature responses, controlled and modified atmospheres.
3. Immature fruits: cucumbers, legumes, etc. Chilling injury, compositional changes, water loss. Bulky organs: roots, tubers, bulbs, compositional changes, periderm grown, growth regulators, dormancy. Immature floral parts: broccoli, artichokes. Temperature effects, commercial practices.
4. Leaf and stem tissue: lettuce, cabbage, asparagus. Temperature effects, water loss, mechanical injury, physiological breakdown, commercial practices.
5. Other plants and parts. |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 220 |
| Title - |
Genomics and Biotechnology of Plant Improvement |
| Instructor - |
Richard Michelmore |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Not currently being offered. |
| Prerequisites - |
Biological Sciences 101 or the equivalent |
| Catalog Description - |
Integration of modern biotechnology and classical plant breeding including the impact of structural, comparative and functional genomics on gene discovery, characterization and exploitation. Also covers molecular markers, plant transformation, hybrid production, disease resistance, and novel output traits. |
| Summary - |
This course is organized into weekly sections. Each week covers a different topic. The lecture on Thursday provides an overview for each topic; scientific papers are distributed along with questions to consider while reading the papers. The papers and questions are then reviewed on the following Tuesday using a lecture plus discussion format.
1 Introduction
Manipulation and Variation I: Sources of Variation and Molecular Markers
2 Manipulation of Variation II: Germplasm Resources; Resources in Model Species
3 Manipulation of Variation III: Genetic Mapping and Comparative Genomics
4 Manipulation of Variation IV: Complex Traits and Marker-Aided Selection
5 Agriculturally Important Traits; Gene Discovery
6 Plant Transformation and Functional Analysis
7 Hybrid Production and Apomixis
8 Disease ResistanceI: Classical Resistance Genes
9 Disease ResistanceII: Novel Strategies
10 Output Traits and Novel Plant Products |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 221 |
| Title - |
Genomics and Breeding of Vegetable Crops |
| Instructor - |
Carlos Quiros |
| Units - |
3 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring |
| Prerequisites - |
Biological Sciences 101 or equivalent |
| Catalog Description - |
Preview of genome structure, mapping, gene tagging and development of other genetic resources applied to improvement of major vegetables. For graduate students contemplating a career in modern vegetable breeding and biotechnology. |
| Summary - |
The following topics will be developed for each of the vegetables listed below. For additional details, see course webpage http://veghome.ucdavis.edu/vc221/index.html
Origin, distribution, domestication, and evolution
Genetic resources: related wild species, crossing relationships, and gene transfer
Development and utilization of genetic and cytogenetic stocks
Marker development, map construction, linkage groups, gene tagging, genome structure, and comparative genomics with related species
Applications to breeding and specific breeding schemes for each crop
Past and present accomplishments, research direction and perspectives
Crops:
Solanacea: tomato, pepper, potato
Cruciferae: cole crops
Cucurbitaceae: melons, squash, cucumber
Liliaceae: onion, garlic, asparagus
Compositae: lettuce, artichoke
Apiaceae: carrots, celery |
| |
Return to top |
|
|
| Course - |
PLS 222 |
| Title - |
Advanced Plant Breeding |
| Instructor - |
Larry Teuber |
| Units - |
4 |
| Quarter Offered - |
Spring of even numbered years |
| Prerequisites - |
course 205; Genetics Graduate Group 201D or Animal Genetics 107; Plant Biology 154 |
| Catalog Description - |
Philosophy, methods, and problems in developing improved plant species. Topics include: inbreeding, heterosis, progeny testing, breeding methodology, index selection, germplasm conservation, and breeding for stress resistance. Laboratories include tours of breeding facilities and calculation and interpretation of quantitative data. |
| Summary - |
Subject Outline:
1. Philosophy of plant breeding.
2. Considerations in a breeding program.
3. Building germplasm pools.
4. Chromosome length and linkage blocks.
5. Population size.
6. Heterosis and inbreeding.
7. Breeding methods.
8. Mating designs.
9. Applications of heritability.
10. Selection indices.
11. Genotype x environmental interations.
Return to top
|
