206-151 Plant Biology

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Subject Description

This subject considers the importance of plant production and the ecological role of plants.

Topics include:

• the process of photosynthesis, its links with respiration and growth, the effect of light conditions and plant adaptations to these; photoperiodism;

• the manipulation of light in plant production; the photosynthesis-transpiration compromise, water uptake, osmotic potential, adaptations for water conservation; irrigation;

• waterlogging and salinity;

• climate;

• temperature as a moderating and limiting factor;

• soil, nutrients, nutrient cycling and soil biota;

• other growing media;

• pests, diseases and their control;

• competition, mycorrhizas; plant growth and development, vegetative propagation, tissue culture and plant variety rights;

• sexual reproduction, its advantages, disadvantages and manipulation;

• Mendelian genetics;

• genetic engineering;

• methods of establishing plants including site selection and preparation;

• dormancy and germination;

• natural ecosystems, disturbed ecosystems, various crops, permaculture and amenity parkland;

• case studies for a variety of plant production systems;

• and post-harvest issues.

Assessment

One 1-hour mid-semester examination (15%), one 2-hour end-semester examination (50%), one 1-hour end-semester practical examination (15%), and assignment (20%).

Recommended Texts

• K R Stern, Introductory Plant Biology. Wm. C. Brown, 1997.