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.

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This course discusses fundamental biogeochemical interactions between microbes, minerals, and organic matter responsible for carbon cycling, mineral weathering, and nutrient dynamics in soils. Through a combination of lectures and in-class discussions, we will examine the importance of biogeochemical processes for soil development, carbon storage, and fertility. Biogeochemical concepts of soil organic matter dynamics and stress response will be reinforced through manipulation of actual data sets.

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.

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.

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

The role of mineral elements in the growth of plants; plant response to fertilizers and other soil amendments; soil reaction, mineral deficiencies and toxicities; environmental impact of soil fertility management practices. Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 102 and STOCKSCH 105 (or equivalents), CHEM 110 or 111.

With lab. Effect of environmental factors on soil formation and land use. Relationship between soil morphology, classification, and use interpretations. Application of soils information to on-site sewage disposal, wetland identification, and other environmentally significant problem areas. Prerequisite: introductory course in chemistry, geology, soils, or environmental science; or consent of instructor.

With lab. Effect of environmental factors on soil formation and land use. Relationship between soil morphology, classification, and use interpretations. Application of soils information to on-site sewage disposal, wetland identification, and other environmentally significant problem areas. Prerequisite: introductory course in chemistry, geology, soils, or environmental science; or consent of instructor.