Interrelationship of soils and higher plants. Physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Practical approach to current problems through basic soil principles. Prerequisite: some knowledge of chemistry. (Gen.Ed. BS)

Functions of mineral nutrients in plants, effects of mineral deficiencies, and sources of these nutrients to prevent or alleviate deficiencies in crop production.

Topics include state and federal pesticide laws and regulations, pesticides and the environment, handling and storage of pesticides, classes and formulations of pesticides, safety and application equipment, understanding the pesticide label, toxicity, proper calculation and mixing of pesticides, and history of pesticide use. Includes preparation for the Massachusetts Pesticide Core Examination. Formerly listed as ENTOMOL 182

Principles and practical methods of controlling turf insect pests.

Introduction to insect recognition, development, damage, and control. Formerly: ENTOMOL 104.

This course offers seniors an opportunity to study a current sustainable food and/or farming problem, review the literature related to the problem, develop management tactics and strategies to address the problem, and communicate their conclusions with others in a professional setting.

The influence of naturally occurring plant hormones on regulating physiology, growth, and development in plants. Also, the uses and potential uses of synthetic plant growth regulators, cultural techniques, and horticultural practices to improve the production of food, fiber and ornamental plants. Prerequisites: introductory plant science course, STOCKSCH 384 (formerly STOCKSCH 397PP) recommended.

One of the key issues threatening plant production in agriculture and the landscape is plant disease, particularly growing threats from new infectious pathogens. In this journal club we will focus on research papers that describe plant-microbe interactions, with specific reference to plant diseases and their management. Modern ?omic? methods have greatly increased understanding of how pathogens attack plants, how plants defend themselves, and how non-pathogenic microbes play a role in disease defense.

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.

Review and discussion of concepts and issues related with turfgrass diseases. Reading of scientific papers and trade journals required each week. Guest speakers from turfgrass industry present many of the topics and lead subsequent class discussion. Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 505.