Course Description
Plant function from the cellular level to the plant community level (typical of crop production systems). Cultural and environmental factors influencing physiological processes, crop growth responses, and productivity are discussed. Distinctions are made between crop species when fundamental differences in plant processes exist (e.g., C3 versus C4 species).
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be expected to develop a research
proposal providing 1) a review of literature on a recent topic
in crop physiology (selected from a list of topics chosen by
the instructor), 2) hypotheses and objectives for a proposed
area of research, 3) materials and methods to be used to
address the research objectives, and 4) the potential outcome
and broader impacts of the proposed study.
Athena Title
CROP PHYSIOLOGY
Undergraduate Prerequisite
BIOL 1103 or (BIOL 1107 and BIOL 1107L) or (PBIO(BIOL) 1210 and PBIO(BIOL) 1210L) or permission of department
Graduate Prerequisite
BIOL 1103 or (BIOL 1107 and BIOL 1107L) or (PBIO(BIOL) 1210 and PBIO(BIOL) 1210L) or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course will provide successful students with a thorough understanding of fundamental plant metabolic processes and how these processes interact in plant communities to bring about whole-plant responses to key environmental factors (radiation, moisture, temperature, soil fertility, etc.). Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of course subject matter through examinations and assignments designed to test knowledge recall and comprehension and application of crop physiology principles to practical problem solving scenarios.
Topical Outline
I. Plant Structure: Cells, Tissues, and Organs II. Photosynthesis and Respiration III. Canopy-Level Carbon Fixation IV. Assimilate Transport and Partitioning V. Cell and Whole-Plant Water Relations VI. Crop Evapotranspiration and Water Deficit VII. Mineral Nutrition and Biological Fixation VIII. Plant Growth Regulation IX. Crop Growth and Development
Syllabus