Selected research problems not related to a candidate's Master's thesis.

Basic understanding of statistical concepts and their interpretations.

The growing human population faces a crisis in food production matched by one in environmental degradation. Demands for food, forage, and biofuel crops and for a healthy and sustainable environment will increase, but climate change, loss of productive soils, decreasing availability of arable land and clean water, emerging and resurgent pests and diseases, and environmental pollution threaten our ability to maintain present levels of crop production and environmental quality.

This is an independent study project that allows graduate students to conduct an extensive literature review prior to conducting thesis research. Grading will be based on the quality of the written literature review as evaluated by each student's thesis/dissertation advisor.

Graduate level independent project or research, unrelated to students' thesis or dissertation.

Review and discussion of concepts and issues related with turfgrass diseases, disease management, and fungicide resistance.

Review and discussion of concepts and issues related to hop genetics and hop diseases. Reading of specific papers required each week.

Plant-microbe-soil interactions mediate key ecological functions, such as nutrient cycling, plant productivity and stress tolerance, soil carbon storage, and ecosystem response to change. This class will explore the intricate relationships formed between plants, microbes, and other biota that inhabit the soil. Students will gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to investigate fundamental and applied aspects of rhizosphere ecology and plant-microbe interactions.

Not available at this time