Agronomy

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

An introductory course that focuses on the role of genetically-altered plants in agriculture, the environment, foods and medicine. (B)

Global issues and trends in population growth, natural resource (soil, water and plant genetic biodiversity) utilization, climate change and potential impacts of current trends on agriculture, natural resources, global food security and sustainability. (B)

Introduction to the principles and practices of field crop production. (B)

Hands-on introduction to practical principles of plant science, especially field crop plants and how they respond to their environment. This independent lab can be taken with AGR 3005 for a more practical approach to plant responses to environmental factors.

The science and physical basis of inheritance, genes as units of heredity and development, and the qualitative and quantitative aspects of genetic variation. (B)

Information retrieval, using campus library facilities and electronic communications through the Internet, followed by organization and synthesis of that information for presentation in written and oral formats customarily used in professional agricultural organizations.

An introduction to the fundamental processes of crop plants, as well as the environmental and physical limitations to crop growth, development and yield. Focus is on physiology and ecology of agronomic crop plants. (B)

Students will plant and manage a group of field crops. Experience in soil sampling, interpretation of nutrient and nematode test results, fertilization, pest control and harvesting will be gained. Students will submit a term report.

Scientific and technological developments in the selection, production and utilization of forage crops, and in the development and management of grazing areas. (B)

An introduction to the use of PC-based tools for improving agricultural production and environmental quality. Focus is on food security, environmental quality and sustainable agriculture.

The science and technology of plant improvement.

Study of selected medicinal plants of eastern USA, including plant nutrition, ecology, and medicinal properties. Field trips to identify and collect specimens supplement laboratory exercises.

Characteristics and components of seed production and processing with emphasis on agricultural seed and the seed industry.

Scientific study of individual problems in crop production, weed science, genetics or plant breeding.

An individual special project course restricted to students in the College of Agricultural and Life Science’ Honors Program. Students will complete a project on a topic, issue, or problem. Projects may relate to research, teaching or extension.

Critical review of selected topics in specific agronomic areas.

An introduction to plants and animals that are invading Florida and the U.S. Learn why biological invaders are second only to habitat destruction as threats to natural ecosystems, what makes some species invasive, how to control or prevent invasions, where international commerce may be regulated, and who is affected by such issues. (B)

The role and use of pesticides in contemporary society; agriculture, urban pest control and public health. Characteristics of pesticide classes, how they work, toxicity, degradation, regulation and related environmental issues. (B)

Introduction to 25 of humankind’s most important food crop plants with emphasis on soil and climatic adaptations, major producers and consumers, nutritional attributes, processing needs and types of products. Students will see the plants and seeds, as well as food and industrial products of the crop plants under study. This is an introductory course for majors and non-majors who have no previous academic experience with food crop plants. (B)

Identification and ecology of aquatic plants. Emphasis placed on use of taxonomic keys for identification. Factors influencing development and growth of aquatic plant communities will be related to plants identified.

Environmental, physical, nutritional, and ecological factors influencing culture and production of aquatic plant growth. Commercial production techniques will be emphasized. Aquatic plants will be evaluated for use in ecosystems and wetland restoration.

An introduction to basic and applied aspects of weed science. Topics will include weed biology and ecology, herbicide physiology and weed control techniques. The lab will cover weed identification, herbicide application technology and other aspects of weed science.

Identification of Florida’s aquatic weed problems and methods of chemical, biological, mechanical, and physical weed control. Specific topics will include plant biology/ecology, herbicide residue, lake reclamation, fish-plant interactions, and current laws regulating aquatic weed control.