Course Description
Study of the biological, cultural, and environmental factors which influence the sustainable production of plants for human use.
Athena Title
Sustainable Plant Production
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in HORT 2000E
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
In this course, students will: 1) Review the history of human use of plants and implications for plant biomes; 2) Learn the morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical, and genetic characteristics of horticulture plants and their organs, and how they respond to environmental factors, both natural and through human intervention; 3) Identify and evaluate valid sources of scientific information and apply basic scientific principles to real-world situations; 4) Examine the role of horticulture practices on broader environmental issues such as global warming, soil and water degradation, and reduction of plant genetic diversity.
Topical Outline
Origins and Distribution of Horticulture Crops Crop origins and connections to current breeding and conservation practices. History of horticulture plants and human interaction with plant biomes. Distribution of horticulture crops and the global food economy. Horticulture Plant Diversity Scientific nomenclature and plant classification. Diversity of horticulture crops. Horticulture Plant Anatomy Function and structure of stems, roots, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Global Cycling of Carbon and Other Plant Nutrients Carbon and energy transformation-photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Crop nutrition, fertilization, and the environmental impact. Climate change and food production. Carbon footprint. Water and Horticulture Plants Plant growth regulators and their application in horticulture. Water and plants: water cycle, irrigation, and water conservation. Horticulture Plant Reproduction Biology of asexual and sexual reproduction in horticulture plants. Fruit development, seed dispersal, and germination. Patterns of inheritance (Mendelian genetics). Sources of genetic variation. Plant breeding methods. GMO, CRISPR, and application of SNP-chip testing. Benefits and environmental impact of plant breeding. Growth Regulators and Post Harvest Biology Growth regulators, their role in plant growth, and how they are used to manage horticulture crops. Post-harvest biology and storage of harvested crops and food waste. Horticultural Practices and Environmental Impact Horticulture strategies to respond to climate change. Plant pests and ecological management. Low impact landscape practices. Tree biology.
General Education Core
CORE II: Life SciencesSyllabus