PLANT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN CROPPING SYSTEMS

PLANTSCI 338

Principles of crop plant improvement are discussed in the context of genetics, plant biology, plant breeding, plant biotechnology, and world food, feed, and raw material needs.

PLANTSCI 333

Survey of the basic principles and concepts of the biology of plants and their application to cultivation of food crops in controlled environments. Integrates topics including: organic systems, sustainability, urban agriculture, and socioecological factors.

PLANTSCI 300

Agronomic cropping systems of the Midwest: environmental impacts, productivity, and profitability. Cropping system diversification and sustainable agriculture. An agroecological approach, the application of ecological concepts and principles for the improvement of cropping systems is emphasized. Specific topics include agricultural intensification, agroecosystem structure and function, aspects of technology adoption, soil erosion and conservation, tillage systems, weed ecology and management, nutrient dynamics and management, water quality, crop rotation, and cropping system diversification.

PLANTSCI 376

Highlights the connections between tropical plants and society. Topics include multidisciplinary reflections on the biology of tropical plants, as well as an overview of different production systems and some of the social and environmental problems associated with the utilization of tropical plants in the context of local and global markets. Provides the opportunity to demonstrate comparative skills with respect to local and international challenges posed by the topics we address in class. Illustrates connections between horticulture and conservation, food security, nutrition, and global health.

PLANTSCI 110

Introduces the basic principles of plant science and technology as they apply to cultivated plants. Topics include the historical and economic importance of plants for food, feed, and fiber; origin, classification, and geographic distribution; plant breeding; growth, development, and physiology; agroecosystems and practices; field and greenhouse production; integrated pest management; and marketing practices. Discuss and apply associated technologies (e.g. gene editing, remote sensing, unmanned aerial vehicles).