Plant and Soil Science Courses (PlS)

115. (AGRI 1407) Introduction to Plant Science . Four semester hours (3 lecture, 2 lab).
An introduction to the principles of plant growth, general crop production, and ornamental and production horticulture.

253. Economic Entomology. Three semester hours.
This course introduces students to the major orders of insects and other arthropods of economic importance with specific emphasis on those beneficial and harmful to agricultural and horticultural crops, livestock, pets, and food products. Control techniques using Integrated Pest Management will be included.

305. Landscape Design . Three semester hours. (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Landscaping of homes and public buildings. Nomenclature, uses, placement, and
care required by woody ornamentals used in landscaping.
Prerequisite: PlS 115.

306. Plant Propagation. Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
Principles of plant propagation. Physiology and morphology pertaining to reproduction
along with chemical aids.
Prerequisites: PlS 115 and 309, and Chem 111.

309. Soil Science. Four semester hours (3 lecture, 2 lab).
Origin, formation, fertility and management of soils.
Prerequisites: PlS 115, Chem 111.

320. Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition. Three semester hours.
Elements required for plant nutrition and their effects on plant growth. Principles
of uptake, transport and assimilation.
Prerequisite: PlS 309.

321. Soil Morphology Classification and Mapping . Four semester hours (3 lecture, 2lab).
A comprehensive study of the morphological features of the soil profile in relation to soil utilization and management. Emphasis will be given toward soil development, classification, and mapping.

323. Field Crops . Three semester hours (2 lecture, 2 lab).
Principles of agronomic crop production practices. Major field crops and management
techniques will be studied.
Prerequisite: PlS 115

326. Forage and Pasture Crops. Three semester hours. (2 lecture, 2 lab)
The production, harvesting, storage, and uses of forage crops, hay and pasture
crops, improvements, care and management of pastures given special emphasis. practice
work includes identification of seeds and plants, judging of hay, and field and pasture observation. Prerequisites: PlS 115, 309.

381. Crop Physiology . Three semester hours. (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Physiological processes underlying crop management practices and their alternatives.
Laboratory exercises will be designed to elucidate these principles.
Prerequisites: PlS 115, Chem 108 or 211 and Chem 111 and 112.

420. Crop Production Practicum . Three semester hours (1 lecture, 4 lab).
Study of crop production practices in this area by actually planting, growing, harvesting,
and marketing a crop: (a) Wheat or Oats; (b) Corn; (c) Grain Sorghum; (d) Cotton. A report, including costs and returns, will be due upon completion of the project. Course may be repeated when subject varies, up to a maximum of 9 hours.
Prerequisite: PlS 115.

430. Greenhouse Management . Three semester hours. (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Greenhouse designs, coverings, heating, cooling and watering systems. Media, pasteurization and handling systems in connection with the growing of greenhouse crops. Economics of production. Prerequisites: PlS 115 and 309.

485. Plant Breeding. Three semester hours. (2 lecture, 2 lab)
An applied study of genetics, plant breeding techniques and varietal improvement
of both agronomic and horticultural crops.
Prerequisites: PlS 115 and 381.

489. Independent Study . One to four semester hours.
Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content
area under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated when the topic varies.
Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

497. Special Topics . One to four semester hours.
Organized class. May be repeated when topics vary.

Note: For description of graduate courses see Graduate Catalog.