207-151 Plant Biology

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

Topics include:

• the process of photosysnthesis, 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; and

• 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.

One mid-semester 1-hour written examination (theory) worth 20% of final marks, one mid-semester practical test worth 20% of final marks, one final 2-hour written examination worth 40% of final marks and one final practical test worth 20% of final marks.

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