2013-14 Academic Catalog

Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

This is an archived copy of the 2013-14 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.msstate.edu.

Department Head: Dr. Mike Phillips
Office: 117 Dorman Hall

Plant and Soil Sciences curricula focus on the application of sciences to the integrated management of plants, soil, and climate for high-quality production of food, fiber, fuel, and ornamental plants. Central to this course of study is the dedication to conserve, maintain and enhance our environment. An undergraduate student may major in either Agronomy (AGN) or Horticulture (HO) and specialize in concentration areas such as Agricultural and Environmental Soil Sciences (AGN), Golf and Sports Turf Management (AGN), Integrated Crop Management (AGN), Integrated Pest Management (AGN), Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture (HO), and Floral Management (HO). A grade of “C” or better is required in all required PSS courses in the student’s major prior to completion of the degree.

Graduate programs (M.S. and Ph.D.) are also offered in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in Agronomy, Horticulture, and Weed Science. Consult the Graduate Bulletin for additional details.

Agronomy Major (AGN)

General Education Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1163 Accelerated Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Mathematics
MA 1313College Algebra3
Select 3 hours from the following General Education courses or see Concentrations:3
Science
See major core/concentration 6-9
Humanities
See major core/concentration or General Education list6
Fine Arts
See major core/concentration or General Education list3
Social Science
See major core/concentration or General Education list6
Major Core
BIO 4214General Plant Physiology4
PSS 3301Soils Laboratory1
PSS 3303Soils3
PSS 4313Soil Fertility and Fertilizers3
Oral Communication Requirement:
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
Total Hours47-50

Choose one of the following concentrations:

Agricultural and Environmental Soil Sciences Concentration (SOSI)

Advisors: Professors Michael Cox, William Kingery, and Jac Varco

The Agricultural and Environmental Soil Science curriculum provides an educational foundation in soil processes involving physical, chemical, and biological interrelationships. The soil resource is an integral component of our environment and is subject to loss and degradation through human activities. Humanity’s dependence on soil for food and fiber production and the need for ensuring environmental quality require individuals trained in the management of this resource. Career opportunities exist both nationally and internationally in agricultural and environmental consulting, agribusiness, government agencies, teaching, and research. Required courses provide soil science training, while elective courses can be selected to meet specific needs.

Cooperative Education: Agricultural and Environmental Soil Science students are encouraged to participate in the cooperative education program.

BIO 2113Plant Biology 13
GR 1123Introduction to World Geography 13
MA 1323Trigonometry 13
MA 1713Calculus I 13
ST 3123Introduction to Statistical Inference3
AEC 2713Introduction to Food and Resource Economics 13
BIO 3304General Microbiology4
CH 1211Investigations in Chemistry I 11
CH 1213Chemistry I 13
CH 1221Investigations in Chemistry II 11
CH 1223Chemistry II 13
CH 2311Analytical Chemistry I Laboratory1
CH 2313Analytical Chemistry I3
CH 4513Organic Chemistry I3
CH 4523Organic Chemistry II3
GG 1111Earth Sciences I Laboratory1
GG 1113Survey of Earth Sciences I3
PH 1113General Physics I3
PH 1123General Physics II3
PSS 4314Soil Microbiology4
PSS 4603Soil Chemistry3
PSS 4323Soil Classification3
PSS 4333Soil Conservation and Land Use3
Restricted Electives (see advisor) 219
Computer Science Requirement
AIS 4203Applications of Computer Technology to Agricultural Information Science and Education3
or AEC 1223 Computer Applications for Agriculturists and Life Scientists
Writing Requirement
AIS 3203Professional Writing in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences3
Total Hours123

1

 Satisfies General Education requirements.

2

Restricted Electives. Select from: ABE 4263, ADS 1114, AEC 3133, BCH 4013, BIO 4213, BIO 4404, CH 3213, CH 4303, CH 4404, CH 4413, EPP 2213, EPP 4113, GG 3133, GG 4114, GG 4304, GG 4503, GR 2313, GR 3113, GR 4603, MA 1723, PSS 1313, PSS 3133, PSS 4103, PSS 4123, PSS 4133, PSS 4223, PSS 4373, PSS 4414, PSS 4483.


Golf and Sports Turf Management Concentration (GSTM)

Advisors: Associate Professor Barry Stewart; Assistant Professor Christian Baldwin

Golf and Sports Turf Management (GSTM) is the study of plant and soil sciences for the culture of turfgrass on golf and sports facilities. The GSTM curriculum prepares individuals for careers as golf course superintendents at private, daily fee, and resort courses or as sports turf managers at city, school, and professional sports turf facilities (i.e. football, baseball, soccer fields.) New construction of golf courses and sports facilities has led to a heightened demand for trained golf and sports turf management professionals. Three semesters of Cooperative Education work experience will be required of all students enrolled in the GSTM concentration.

Cooperative Education Requirements: GSTM students must complete a minimum 12 months or three semesters of Coop work at a golf course with an individual who is certified or progressing toward certification with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America or at a sports stadium with a recognized sports turf manager. One of the three Coop semesters enrolled by the student must be a non-summer semester period. A 2.50 cumulative GPA on all MSU work is required to participate in the GSTM program. All new students must register with their coop advisor early in their initial semester of enrollment.

ACC 2013Principles of Financial Accounting3
ABE 2873Land Surveying3
ABE 4163Machinery Management for Agro-Ecosystems3
BIO 2113Plant Biology 13
CH 1043Survey of Chemistry I 13
CH 1053Survey of Chemistry II 13
CH 1051Experimental Chemistry 11
CH 2503Elementary Organic Chemistry3
CH 2501Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory1
EC 2113Principles of Macroeconomics 13
EPP 4113Principles of Plant Pathology3
EPP 3423Ornamental and Turfgrass Insects3
EPP 4523Turfgrass Diseases3
FLS 1113Spanish I 13
FLS 1123Spanish II 13
LA 3603Design of the Golf Environment3
LA 4344Landscape Architecture Construction IV4
MGT 3513Introduction to Human Resource Management3
KI 2213Emergency Health Care3
PSS 1313Plant Science3
PSS 2423Plant Materials I3
PSS 3133Introduction to Weed Science3
PSS 3411Turf Seminar I1
PSS 3421Turn Seminar II1
PSS 4353Arboriculture and Landscape Maintenance3
PSS 4414Turf Management4
PSS 4423Golf Course Operations3
PSS 4443Athletic Field Management3
PSS 4823Turfgrass Weed Management3
CP 2103First Work Semester3
CP 2203Second Work Semester3
CP 3303Third Work Semester3
Restricted Electives (see advisor) 29
Computer Science Requirement
PSS 4423Golf Course Operations3
PSS 4443Athletic Field Management3
Writing Requirement
PSS 3411Turf Seminar I1
PSS 3421Turn Seminar II1
Total Hours122

1

 Satisfies General Education requirements.

2

Restricted Electives. Select from: ABE 1073, ABE 2173, BCH 4013, BIO 2213, BIO 4203, CO 3213, CO 2253, CO 3833, FIN 2003, MGT 3213, PE 1081, PH 1113, PSS 3473, PSS 3923, PSS 4223, PSS 4314, PSS 4323, PSS 4333, PSS 4343, PSS 4503.


Integrated Crop Management Concentration (ICM)

Advisors: Professors Brian Baldwin and Frank B. Matta
Associate Professors David J. Lang and Ted Wallace

Integrated Crop Management (ICM) is the study of food and fiber production utilizing ecologically sound and technologically advanced methods. Areas covered include basic concepts of plant science and specific practices in crop initiation, culture, harvesting, processing, distribution and marketing. Methods of germplasm enhancement are taught. Specific program areas of study include agronomic crop production, crop science, fruit science, seed science, seed technology, and vegetable crop production. Students completing the Integrated Crop Management curriculum are prepared for careers as producers, consultants, technical representative plant breeders, extension agents, or inspectors with USDA and state agencies. This curriculum also provides a good background of basic sciences for those who wish to pursue graduate studies.

AEC 2713Introduction to Food and Resource Economics 13
AEC 3133Introductory Agribusiness Management3
AEC 3413Introduction to Food Marketing3
BCH 4013Principles of Biochemistry3
BIO 2113Plant Biology 13
BIO 3304General Microbiology4
CH 1043Survey of Chemistry I 13
CH 1053Survey of Chemistry II 13
CH 1051Experimental Chemistry1
CH 2503Elementary Organic Chemistry3
CH 2501Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory1
EPP 2213Introduction to Insects3
EPP 4113Principles of Plant Pathology3
PO 3103Genetics I3
PSS 1313Plant Science3
PSS 3133Introduction to Weed Science3
Restricted Electives (see advisor) 224
Unrestricted Electives9
Computer Science Requirement
AIS 4203Applications of Computer Technology to Agricultural Information Science and Education3
or AEC 1223 Computer Applications for Agriculturists and Life Scientists
Writing Requirement
AIS 3203Professional Writing in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences3
Total Hours122

1

Satisfies General Education requirements.

2

Restricted Electives. Select from: EPP 4163, EPP 4263, GA 1111, MA 1713, PH 1113, PSS 2423, PSS 3043, PSS 3423, PSS 3923, PSS 4103, PSS 4123, PSS 4133, PSS 4143, PSS 4223, PSS 4314, PSS 4323, PSS 4333, PSS 4343, PSS 4363, PSS 4373, PSS 4414, PSS 4444, PSS 4453, PSS 4483, PSS 4503, PSS 4603, PSS 4633, PSS 4813, Agribusiness Elective (3).


Integrated Pest Management Concentration (IPM)

Major Advisor: Assistant Professor Fred R. Musser

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an interdisciplinary concentration of study in Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science jointly administered by the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology and the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. Effective management of pest problems requires a broad base of knowledge in the pest disciplines and practical field experience. The Integrated Pest Management concentration features a strong core of courses in the three pest disciplines (entomology, plant pathology, and weed science); a strong background in biological and physical sciences; and practical training through an internship. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to pursue advanced degrees and of students who wish to terminate their higher education with a baccalaureate degree. A range of restricted and non-restricted electives allows students to personalize their degree program for careers in crop production, agri-business, natural resource management, and/or graduate studies preparation. A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses with the EPP, PSS, CH, or BIO prefix prior to completion of the degree. No course may be transferred for credit from another college or university in which a grade of “D” was made. A student may transfer up to nine hours of “T” level technical courses from community colleges as unrestricted lower-level electives. “T” level technical courses may not be transferred for credit on any course listed specifically in the IPM curriculum.

Graduates are well prepared for employment with industry; state and federal research, extension and regulatory agencies; private agricultural consulting firms; farmer’s cooperatives; nurseries, home and garden centers; greenhouse plant production; and corporate farms.

Internship: IPM students must complete a minimum one semester internship with an approved internship sponsor in industry, private consulting firms/individuals, or governmental agencies.

AEC 2713Introduction to Food and Resource Economics 13
BIO 1134Biology I 14
BIO 1144Biology II 14
BIO 4213Plant Ecology3
CH 1051Experimental Chemistry1
CH 1043Survey of Chemistry I 13
CH 1053Survey of Chemistry II 13
CH 2503Elementary Organic Chemistry3
EPP 4113Principles of Plant Pathology3
EPP 4154General Entomology4
EPP 4163Plant Disease Management3
EPP 4263Principles of Insect Pest Management3
PO 3103Genetics I3
PSS 3133Introduction to Weed Science3
PSS 3423Agronomy Internship3
PSS 4633Weed Biology and Ecology3
PSS 4813Herbicide Technology3
ST 3123Introduction to Statistical Inference 13
Restricted Electives (see advisor) 217
Unrestricted Electives11
Writing Requirement
AIS 3203Professional Writing in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences3
Computer Literacy
AIS 4203Applications of Computer Technology to Agricultural Information Science and Education3
or AEC 1223 Computer Applications for Agriculturists and Life Scientists
Total Hours124

1

Satisfies University Core.

2

Restricted Electives. Select from: FO 4313, FO 4451, FO 4452, GR 3303, GR 3311, ABE 3513, ABE 4313, ACC 2013, AEC 3113, AEC 3133, AEC 3213, AEC 3233, AEC 3413, AEC 3513, AEC 4123, BIO 3304, BIO 4203, EPP 3124, EPP 3423, EPP 4214, EPP 4523, EPP 4244, EPP 4543, GR 2313, GR 4303, GR 4323, LA 2433, MGT 3513, PSS 2423, PSS 3473, PSS 4103, PSS 4123, PSS 4133, PSS 4314, PSS 4323, PSS 4333, PSS 4343, PSS 4353, PSS 4363, PSS 4373, PSS 4411, PSS 4414, PSS 4453, WFA 4153, WFA 4253.


Horticulture Major (HO)

General Education Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1163 Accelerated Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Mathematics
MA 1313College Algebra3
See concentration3
Science
BIO 2113Plant Biology3
CH 1043Survey of Chemistry I3
CH 1051Experimental Chemistry1
CH 1053Survey of Chemistry II3
Humanities
Floriculture - See concentration3
Floral Management - Select from General Education courses3
Fine Arts
Choose one of the following:3
Floral Design
Landscape Architecture Appreciation (F&O only)
Social/Behavioral Sciences
Floriculture
Choose one of the following:3
Introduction to Food and Resource Economics
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
General Education courses3
Floral Management
PS 1113American Government3
PSY 1013General Psychology3
Major Core
ACC 2013Principles of Financial Accounting3
MKT 3013Principles of Marketing3
PSS 1313Plant Science3
PSS 2423Plant Materials I3
PSS 3313Interior Planting Design and Maintenance3
PSS 3473Plant Materials II3
PSS 3923Plant Propagation3
PSS 3511Seminar1
Writing Requirement
AIS 3203Professional Writing in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences3

Choose one of the following concentrations:

Floral Management Concentration (FLMG)

Advisors: Professor James DelPrince
Instructor Lynette McDougald

Floral Management involves sourcing, purchasing, distributing, marketing, designing with, and selling floricultural products. Students enrolled in this concentration are provided with courses in design and horticulture, balanced with business and sciences. Career opportunities for graduates include retailing, wholesaling, special event designing, and display gardening. The University Florist, a professional flower shop owned and operated by the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences on the MSU campus, provides students with work and management opportunities.

Internship Requirements (PSS 3413): FM majors must complete a 12 week, 480 clock hour work experience in a floral industry enterprise. The internship requirement may be completed any semester after successful completion of PSS 2343 Floral Design.

ACC 2023Principles of Managerial Accounting3
ART 1113Art Appreciation3
ART 1123Design I3
BL 2413The Legal Environment of Business3
EPP 2213Introduction to Insects 13
FIN 3113Financial Systems3
HS 2603Interior Design Fundamentals3
LA 2423History of Landscape Architecture3
PSS 2351Techniques in Flowershop Management1
PSS 3023Retail Floristry Operation and Management3
PSS 3343Wedding Floral Design3
PSS 3413Floristry Internship3
PSS 3443Permanent Botanical Floral Design3
Math course from General Education3
Art Electives (see advisor) 26
Restricted Electives (see advisor) 36
Oral Communication Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
Computer Literacy Requirement
Choose one of the following:3
Computer Applications for Agriculturists and Life Scientists
Applications of Computer Technology to Agricultural Information Science and Education
Introduction to Business Information Systems
Computer Applications
Total Hours123

1

Satisfies General Education requirements.

2

Art Electives. Select from: ART 1013, ART 1023, ART 1133, ART 1153, ART 1213, ART 1223, ART 2013, ART 2213, ART 2303, ART 2403, ART 4533.

3

Restricted Electives. Select from: PSS 3043, PSS 3303, PSS 4143, PSS 4353, PSS 4363, PSS 4343, PSS 4453, PSS 4503,PSS 4503 PSS 4613.


A minor in Floral Management is available. To obtain a minor, students are required to complete the following 15 hours:

PSS 2343Floral Design3
PSS 3023Retail Floristry Operation and Management3
PSS 3313Interior Planting Design and Maintenance3
PSS 3343Wedding Floral Design3
PSS 3443Permanent Botanical Floral Design3

 

Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture Concentration (FLOR)

Advisors: Professor Richard L. Harkess

Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture offers diversified opportunities that are challenging, intellectually stimulating, and economically rewarding. Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture is the science and art of producing, distributing, and marketing flowers, flowering and foliage plants. It offers a wide variety of employment opportunities and competitive salaries. Students completing this curriculum are prepared for many different careers including greenhouse or nursery management, landscape management, public service, research and technical product research and sales.

BIO 4203Taxonomy of Spermatophytes3
BIO 4214General Plant Physiology4
CH 2501Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory1
CH 2503Elementary Organic Chemistry3
EPP 4113Principles of Plant Pathology3
EPP 2213Introduction to Insects3
EPP 3423Ornamental and Turfgrass Insects3
FLS 1113Spanish I 13
FLS 1123Spanish II 13
MA 2113Introduction to Statistics 13
or ST 2113 Introduction to Statistics
PO 3103Genetics I3
PSS 3301Soils Laboratory1
PSS 3303Soils3
PSS 3433Horticulture Internship3
PSS 4343Controlled Environment Agriculture3
PSS 4341Controlled Environment Agriculture Laboratory1
PSS 4363Sustainable Nursery Production3
PSS 4444Plant Tissue Culture4
PSS 4613Floriculture Crop Programming3
Restricted Electives (see advisor) 215
Oral Communication Requirement
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
Computer Literacy Requirement
AEC 1223Computer Applications for Agriculturists and Life Scientists3
or AIS 4203 Applications of Computer Technology to Agricultural Information Science and Education
Total Hours124

1

Satisfies General Education requirements.

2

Restricted Electives. Select from: AEC 3413, BCH 4013, BIO 3304, BIO 4204, BIO 4213, BIO 4404, EPP 4163, EPP 4263, FLS 2133, FLS 2143, LA 2253, LA 2433, LA 4753, MGT 3114, MKT 3213, PSS 2343, PSS 2443, PSS 3023, PSS 3133, PSS 3343, PSS 3443, PSS 3633, PSS 4000, PSS 4143, PSS 4313, PSS 4353, PSS 4043, PSS 4414, PSS 4453, PSS 4503, PSS 4553.


A minor in Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture is available. To obtain a minor, students are required to complete

PSS 2423Plant Materials I3
PSS 3473Plant Materials II3
PSS 3923Plant Propagation3
Choose two of the following:3
Interior Planting Design and Maintenance
Controlled Environment Agriculture
Arboriculture and Landscape Maintenance
Sustainable Nursery Production
Floriculture Crop Programming

Courses

PSS 1001 First Year Seminar: 1 hour.

PSS 1113 The Gardening Experience: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Basic home garden design and practice toward growing your own food as well as creating simple outdoor plant aesthetics, planting and maintenance

PSS 1313 Plant Science: 3 hours.

Two hours lectures. Two hours laboratory. Scientific principles as the basis for practice in producing, handling, processing, marketing, and utilizing agronomic and horticultural plants

PSS 2343 Floral Design: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours studio. The history and appreciation of floral art through exploration of design principles, plant materials, and compositional floral forms

PSS 2351 Techniques in Flowershop Management: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: PSS 2343. Floral Design). Two hours laboratory. Demonstrations and practice of fundamentals which are essential in the operation of a retail flower shop

PSS 2423 Plant Materials I: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Characteristics, identification, and landscape uses of ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, and grasses adapted to Southern conditions

PSS 2990 Special Topics in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

PSS 3023 Retail Floristry Operation and Management: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. To identify and understand the basic principles of retail floristry management and the operation of a florist shop

PSS 3043 Fruit Science: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Principles and practices involved in the production of deciduous trees and small fruits. Fall semester, odd years

PSS 3133 Introduction to Weed Science: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 1203; CH 1213 or CH 1053). Three hours lecture. Managing weeds; basic weed biology; methods of controlling weeds, introductory herbicide technology, weed control systems, and the fate of herbicides in the environment

PSS 3301 Soils Laboratory: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Prior credit for/or current enrollment in PSS 3303.) Two hours laboratory. Fall and Spring semesters. General treatment of selected phases of the subject matter

PSS 3303 Soils: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: One semester (preferably two) of inorganic chemistry, CH 1043.) Three hours lecture. Fall and Spring semester. General treatment of all phases of the subject including lime and fertilizers

PSS 3313 Interior Planting Design and Maintenance: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory. Identification of plant materials for interior planting and principles of design, installation and maintenance, preparation of cost estimates and maintenance contracts for interior plantings

PSS 3343 Wedding Floral Design: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:PSS 2343). One hour lecture. Four hours laboratory. Application of design principles to wedding floral design

PSS 3411 Turf Seminar I: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. Class discussions with invited turf industry representatives. Topics will include Turf industry overview, turf career opportunities, writing a resume, and job interviews.May be repeated for credit more than once

PSS 3413 Floristry Internship: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 2343, PSS 2351 and consent of Retail Floristry Management faculty). Individual work experience in a floral industry enterprise with an approved employer under faculty supervision

PSS 3421 Turn Seminar II: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. Review of turfgrass literature and presentations of scientific articles. May be repeated for credit more than once

PSS 3423 Agronomy Internship: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Junior standing and consent of Agronomy Faculty). Individual work experience in an agronomic or environmental organization with an approved employer under faculty supervision. This course may be repeated under approved conditions

PSS 3433 Horticulture Internship: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Consent of the Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture faculty). Individual work experience in a horticulture or allied industry organization with an approved employer under faculty supervision. This course may be repeated under approved conditions

PSS 3443 Permanent Botanical Floral Design: 3 hours.

One hour lecture. Four hours laboratory. Application of design theory and principles to non-perishable, dried, and preserved floral products

PSS 3473 Plant Materials II: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 2423). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Continuation of PSS 2423

PSS 3511 Seminar: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Nine credits in horticulture). One hour lecture. Review of horticultural literature, and presentation and discussion of scientific articles

PSS 3633 Sustainable and Organic Horticulture: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Online course. A study of the base knowledge of the principles and practices of sustainable, organic, and alternative horticulture management systems

PSS 3923 Plant Propagation: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 1203). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Basic principles in the propagation of horticultural plants. Spring semester

PSS 4000 Directed Individual Study in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-6 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

PSS 4043 International Horticulture: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 1313). Three hours lecture. Online course. Worldwide overview of horticultural export, marketing, and international trade issues and individual country analyses of specific fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops

PSS 4103 Forage and Pasture Crops: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Fall semester. Origin, uses, and ecology of forage plants, establishment, nutritive value, use, yield and maintenance of forage plants as related to morphology, physiology and pasture management

PSS 4113 Agricultural Crop Physiology: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Online course. Physiology of agricultural plants, including water relations, respiration, photosynthesis and growth and development

PSS 4123 Grain Crops: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Spring semester, odd-numbered years. Corn, small grain, practice in commercial grading given in laboratory

PSS 4133 Fiber and Oilseed Crops: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Three hours lecture. Spring semester. Production and utilization of fiber and oilseed crops. Emphasis on cotton and soybean production in Mississippi

PSS 4143 Advanced Fruit Science: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3043 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. A study of the latest advances in pomology and interpretation of current research findings and their application to modern fruit growing. Spring semester, odd years

PSS 4223 Seed Production: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Fall semester. Principles and practices, special emphasis on production of varietally pure seeds; agronomic factors in harvesting, drying, storage, treating and marketing seed

PSS 4313 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 3303 and Junior standing). Three hours lecture. Spring semester. Fundamentals and concepts of soil fertility; sources and responses of crops to plant nutrients; soil fertility evaluation and maintenance through fertilization

PSS 4314 Soil Microbiology: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3304). The study of diverse soil microbial communities and how they influence the structure and function of ecosystems (natural and managed) and the global biosphere (same as BIO 4324/6324)

PSS 4323 Soil Classification: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). Three hours lecture. Fall semester, odd-numbered years. Origin, development, and classification of soils including identification and field mapping

PSS 4333 Soil Conservation and Land Use: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). Two hours lecture . Three hours laboratory. Fall semester. Soil identification, topographic relationships and soil-water resources; their characteristics, quality, suitability, and management; conservation practices; using soil maps to determine land use

PSS 4341 Controlled Environment Agriculture Laboratory: 1 hour.

(Co-requisite: PSS 4343 for horticulture majors). Two hours laboratory. Online course. An experiential study of the principles and practices of controlled environments operation and management

PSS 4343 Controlled Environment Agriculture: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 2113 and PSS 3303; Co-requisite for horticulture majors: PSS 4341). Three hours lecture. Online Course. A detailed review and explanation of principles and practices of controlled environments operation and management

PSS 4353 Arboriculture and Landscape Maintenance: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Care of ornamental trees and shrubs, including pruning, bracing, surgery, transplanting, and fertilization

PSS 4363 Sustainable Nursery Production: 3 hours.

Prerequisites: PSS 2423 and PSS 3303). Three hours lecture. Online course. Nursery crop production including site selection and planning, plant nutrition, water relations and irrigation, shipping, and managing people and resources

PSS 4373 Geospatial Agronomic Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 3303 and PSS 3133). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. This class will utilize the basic tools of geographical information systems and geographical positioning systems technologies to analyze agronomic case studies

PSS 4411 Remote Sensing Seminar: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. (Prerequisite: Junior Standing). Lectures by remote sensing experts from industry, academia, and governmental agencies on next-generation systems, applications, and economic and societal impact of remote (Same as ECE 4411/6411, FO 4411/6411,GR 4411/6411)

PSS 4414 Turf Management: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior Standing). Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Comprensive study turfgrasses, their establishment, and the varied mannagement strategies emplyed for golf and sports turf, home lawns and commercial turf, and sod production

PSS 4421 Remote Sensing Seminar: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. (Prerequisite: Junior Standing). Lectures by remote sensing experts from industry, academia, and governmental agencies on next-generation systems, applications, and economic and societal impact of remote sensing

PSS 4423 Golf Course Operations: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4413/6413). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Fall semester. Scheduling maintenance practices, golf course construction and renovation with emphasis on operation and care of specialized turf equipment

PSS 4431 Remote Sensing Seminar: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. (Prerequisite: Junior Standing). Lectures by remote sensing experts from industry, academia, and governmental agencies on next-generation systems, applications, and economic and societal impact of remote sensing

PSS 4443 Athletic Field Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303, PSS 4414, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. A comprehensive study of athletic fields, including construction, maintenence, renovation and management. Emphasis will be placed on interactions between soil properties and sports turf performance

PSS 4444 Plant Tissue Culture: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 4214 and CH 1053 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. A comprehensive study of plant cell, tissue and organ culture with emphasis on practical applications of tissue culture in various areas of plant science. (Same as PSS 4444/6444)

PSS 4453 Vegetable Production: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303 and PSS 3301 or BIO 4204). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Principles and practices of commercial vegetable production

PSS 4483 Introduction to Remote Sensing Technologies: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing, or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Electromagnetic interactions, passive sensors, multispectral and hyperspectral optical sensors, active sensors, imaging radar, SAR, Lidar, digital image processing, natural resource applications (Same as ECE 4423/6423 and ABE 4483/6483)

PSS 4503 Plant Breeding: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PO 3103). Three hours lecture. Application of genetic principles to the improvement of economic crop plants; history, methods and procedures of plant breeding

PSS 4553 Plant Growth and Development: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Online course. Structure of plant developmental processes and how environmental factors interact to affect and control plant growth and development

PSS 4603 Soil Chemistry: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). Two hours lecture . Three hours laboratory. Fall semester, even-numbered years. Introduction to the basic chemistry of soils, including: mineral weathering/formation, ion exchange; adsorption, oxidation/reduction, acidity, salinity/alkalinity, and soil reactions of environmental importance

PSS 4613 Floriculture Crop Programming: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 3303, BIO 4214, MA 1323, PH 1113, PH 1123, or equivalent). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. A detailed study of the techniques involved in the production of the major commercial flower crops. Spring semester, odd-numbered years

PSS 4633 Weed Biology and Ecology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 1203. PSS 3133. Junior standing or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory . Weed identification and population responses to agricultural production systems. Fall semester

PSS 4813 Herbicide Technology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 3133 and junior standing). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Classification and use of herbicides. A detailed look at herbicide application-field use and factors influencing herbicide activity. Fall semester

PSS 4823 Turfgrass Weed Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3133 and Junior standing). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Classification and use of herbicides with emphasis on herbicides and emphasis on herbicides used in turfgrasses. Credit may not be given for this course and PSS 4813/6813

PSS 4990 Special Topics in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

PSS 6043 International Horticulture: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 1313). Three hours lecture. Online course. Worldwide overview of horticultural export, marketing, and international trade issues and individual country analyses of specific fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops

PSS 6103 Forage and Pasture Crops: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Fall semester. Origin, uses, and ecology of forage plants, establishment, nutritive value, use, yield and maintenance of forage plants as related to morphology, physiology and pasture management

PSS 6113 Agricultural Crop Physiology: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Online course. Physiology of agricultural plants, including water relations, respiration, photosynthesis and growth and development

PSS 6123 Grain Crops: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Spring semester, odd-numbered years. Corn, small grain, practice in commercial grading given in laboratory

PSS 6133 Fiber and Oilseed Crops: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Three hours lecture. Spring semester. Production and utilization of fiber and oilseed crops. Emphasis on cotton and soybean production in Mississippi

PSS 6143 Advanced Fruit Science: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3043 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. A study of the latest advances in pomology and interpretation of current research findings and their application to modern fruit growing. Spring semester, odd years

PSS 6223 Seed Production: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Fall semester. Principles and practices, special emphasis on production of varietally pure seeds; agronomic factors in harvesting, drying, storage, treating and marketing seed

PSS 6313 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 3303 and Junior standing). Three hours lecture. Spring semester. Fundamentals and concepts of soil fertility; sources and responses of crops to plant nutrients; soil fertility evaluation and maintenance through fertilization

PSS 6314 Soil Microbiology: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3304). The study of diverse soil microbial communities and how they influence the structure and function of ecosystems (natural and managed) and the global biosphere (same as BIO 4324/6324)

PSS 6323 Soil Classification: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). Three hours lecture. Fall semester, odd-numbered years. Origin, development, and classification of soils including identification and field mapping

PSS 6333 Soil Conservation and Land Use: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). Two hours lecture . Three hours laboratory. Fall semester. Soil identification, topographic relationships and soil-water resources; their characteristics, quality, suitability, and management; conservation practices; using soil maps to determine land use

PSS 6341 Controlled Environment Agriculture Laboratory: 1 hour.

(Co-requisite: PSS 4343 for horticulture majors). Two hours laboratory. Online course. An experiential study of the principles and practices of controlled environments operation and management

PSS 6343 Controlled Environment Agriculture: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 2113 and PSS 3303; Co-requisite for horticulture majors: PSS 4341). Three hours lecture. Online Course. A detailed review and explanation of principles and practices of controlled environments operation and management

PSS 6353 Arboriculture and Landscape Maintenance: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Care of ornamental trees and shrubs, including pruning, bracing, surgery, transplanting, and fertilization

PSS 6363 Sustainable Nursery Production: 3 hours.

Prerequisites: PSS 2423 and PSS 3303). Three hours lecture. Online course. Nursery crop production including site selection and planning, plant nutrition, water relations and irrigation, shipping, and managing people and resources

PSS 6373 Geospatial Agronomic Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 3303 and PSS 3133). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. This class will utilize the basic tools of geographical information systems and geographical positioning systems technologies to analyze agronomic case studies

PSS 6411 Remote Sensing Seminar: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. (Prerequisite: Junior Standing). Lectures by remote sensing experts from industry, academia, and governmental agencies on next-generation systems, applications, and economic and societal impact of remote (Same as ECE 4411/6411, FO 4411/6411,GR 4411/6411)

PSS 6414 Turf Management: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior Standing). Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Comprensive study turfgrasses, their establishment, and the varied mannagement strategies emplyed for golf and sports turf, home lawns and commercial turf, and sod production

PSS 6421 Remote Sensing Seminar: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. (Prerequisite: Junior Standing). Lectures by remote sensing experts from industry, academia, and governmental agencies on next-generation systems, applications, and economic and societal impact of remote sensing

PSS 6423 Golf Course Operations: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4413/6413). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Fall semester. Scheduling maintenance practices, golf course construction and renovation with emphasis on operation and care of specialized turf equipment

PSS 6431 Remote Sensing Seminar: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. (Prerequisite: Junior Standing). Lectures by remote sensing experts from industry, academia, and governmental agencies on next-generation systems, applications, and economic and societal impact of remote sensing

PSS 6441 Remote Sensing Seminar: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. (Prerequisite: Junior Standing). Lectures by remote sensing experts from industry, academia, and governmental agencies on next-generation systems, applications, and economic and societal impact of remote sensing

PSS 6443 Athletic Field Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303, PSS 4414, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. A comprehensive study of athletic fields, including construction, maintenence, renovation and management. Emphasis will be placed on interactions between soil properties and sports turf performance

PSS 6444 Plant Tissue Culture: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 4214 and CH 1053 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. A comprehensive study of plant cell, tissue and organ culture with emphasis on practical applications of tissue culture in various areas of plant science. (Same as PSS 4444/6444)

PSS 6453 Vegetable Production: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303 and PSS 3301 or BIO 4204). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Principles and practices of commercial vegetable production

PSS 6483 Introduction to Remote Sensing Technologies: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing, or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Electromagnetic interactions, passive sensors, multispectral and hyperspectral optical sensors, active sensors, imaging radar, SAR, Lidar, digital image processing, natural resource applications (Same as ECE 4423/6423 and ABE 4483/6483)

PSS 6503 Plant Breeding: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PO 3103). Three hours lecture. Application of genetic principles to the improvement of economic crop plants; history, methods and procedures of plant breeding

PSS 6553 Plant Growth and Development: 3 hours.

PSS 6603 Soil Chemistry: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). Two hours lecture . Three hours laboratory. Fall semester, even-numbered years. Introduction to the basic chemistry of soils, including: mineral weathering/formation, ion exchange; adsorption, oxidation/reduction, acidity, salinity/alkalinity, and soil reactions of environmental importance

PSS 6613 Floriculture Crop Programming: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 3303, BIO 4214, MA 1323, PH 1113, PH 1123, or equivalent). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. A detailed study of the techniques involved in the production of the major commercial flower crops. Spring semester, odd-numbered years

PSS 6633 Weed Biology and Ecology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 1203. PSS 3133. Junior standing or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory . Weed identification and population responses to agricultural production systems. Fall semester

PSS 6813 Herbicide Technology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 3133 and junior standing). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Classification and use of herbicides. A detailed look at herbicide application-field use and factors influencing herbicide activity. Fall semester

PSS 6823 Turfgrass Weed Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 3133 and Junior standing). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Classification and use of herbicides with emphasis on herbicides and emphasis on herbicides used in turfgrasses. Credit may not be given for this course and PSS 4813/6813

PSS 6833 Temperature Stress Physiology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 4214/6214 or BCH 4013/6013). Three hours lecture. Online course. The course focuses on cellular structures and stress metabolites, thermodynamics, and signal transduction before addressing plan responses to heat, chilling, and freezing stresses

PSS 6990 Special Topics in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

PSS 7000 Directed Individual Study in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-6 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

PSS 8000 Thesis Research/ Thesis in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-13 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

PSS 8103 Pasture Development: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Utilization systems for forage crops in the southeast; adaption, morphology, identification, and physiology of grasses and legumes;analyses of forage quality;interpretation of forage research

PSS 8123 Crop Ecology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 4213/6213 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Spring semester, even numbered-years. The geographical distribution, use, and adaptation of field crops as influenced by soil, climate, and other environmental factors

PSS 8163 Environmental Plant Physiology: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Spring semester, even-numbered years. The influences of physical factors of the environment on growth and development of crop plants

PSS 8203 Seed Physiology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4243/6243 or approval of instructor). Three hours lecture. Spring semester (even years). Physio- logy of seed maturation, germination, dormancy, and deter- ioration, relation of seed quality to growth and development of plants

PSS 8333 Advanced Soil Fertility: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Graduate standing). Two hours lecture . Three hours laboratory. Fall semester, even-numbered years. Advanced course in soil fertility; special emphasis on all soil conditions affecting plant growth. Experimental techniques in plant nutrition and in soil fertility will be utilized

PSS 8343 Soil Plant Atmosphere Relationships: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:PSS 3301 and PSS 3303 or consent of instructo). Three hour lecture. Relationship of physical factors, water and heat, within the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. Field-scale regimes including inputs, movement, and storage;empasis on crop producution

PSS 8513 Advanced Plant Breeding: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 4503/6503 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Fall semester, even-numbered years. An intensive review of methods of plant improvement and the application of these methods to modern plant breeding. (Same as PSS 8573, GNS 8113.)

PSS 8543 Biometrical Genetics in Plant Breeding: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 4503/6503 and ST 8114). Three hours lecture. Spring semester, odd-numbered years. Analysis and interpretation of experiments for estimation of hereditary parameters. Emphasis on mating designs, heritability, and genotype x environment interactions in plant breeding. (Same as GNS 8143.)

PSS 8553 Phytohormones and Growth Regulations: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 4214/6214 and CH 2503). Three hours lecture. Plant growth regulating compounds: synthesis, metabolism, and effects on plant growth and development

PSS 8563 Post-Harvest Physiology of Horticultural Plants: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Organic Chemistry and BIO 4214/6214 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. The nature, evaluation, and control of chemical and physiological changes that occur after harvest of horticultural products

PSS 8573 Morphology of Horticultural Plants: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. An intense review of methods of plant (Prerequisite: BIO 4204/6204). One hour lecture. Four hours improvement and the application of these methods to modern laboratory. Development of the floral and vegetative organs plant breeding. (Same as PSS 8513 and GNS 8113). of horticultural plants. Fall semester, even-numbered years

PSS 8631 Topics in Genomics: 1 hour.

(Prerequisites:PSS/BCH 8653 BCH 4713/6713 or BCH 8643 or consent of instructor). Review and discussion of classic and current genomics literature;individual presentation of a seminar highlighting an area of genomics research. (Same as BCH 8631)

PSS 8634 Environmental Fate of Herbicides: 4 hours.

(Prerequisites: CH 4513/6513, PW 4813/6813). Three hours lecture. Three hours labatory. Fate of herbicides, including of drift, volatility, metabolism, environmental factors that influence these processes

PSS 8645 Field Applications of Weed Sciences Principles I: 5 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 6633 and PSS 6813 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Four hours laboratory. Field weed identification; herbicide symptomology; problem solving in cotton soybean, and vegetables; application equipment calibration

PSS 8653 Genomes and Genomics: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites:BCH 4113/6113 or BCH 4713/6713 or BCH 8643 or consent of instructor) Overview of genome structure and evolution with emphasis on genomics, the use of molecular biology, robotics, and advanced computational methods to efficiently study genomes. (Same as BCH 8653)

PSS 8655 Field Applications of Weed Science Principles II: 5 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSS 8646 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Four hours laboratory. Field weed identification; herbidice symptomology; problem solving in turf, field corn, rice, sorghum and pastures; application equipment calibration

PSS 8701 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

(Prerequisites: Graduate standing, PW 4813/6813 or consent of instructor). Lecture, discussion and readings in selected areas of current interest in weed science. Maximum total credits in graduate program allowed, 4 hours-M.S.; 6 hours-Ph.D

PSS 8711 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Graduate standing). Review of literature on assigned topics; preparation of formal papers and presentation of them at staff seminars

PSS 8721 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

(Prerequisites: Graduate standing, PSS 4813/6813 or consent of instructor). Lecture, discussion and readings in selected areas of current interest in weed science. Maximum total credits in graduate program allowed, 4 hours-M.S.; 6 hours-Ph.D

PSS 8724 Herbicide Physiology and Biochemistry: 4 hours.

(Prerequisites: PSS 4813/6813, BIO 4214/6214 and CH 4513/6513 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Herbicide, plant growth regulator and allelochemic chemistry, mode of action, and effects on plants and plant constituents: fate/ persistence of herbicides in the environment. Fall semester, odd-years

PSS 8731 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Graduate standing). Review of literature on assigned topics; preparation of formal papers and presentation of them at staff seminars

PSS 8741 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

PSS 8751 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

PSS 8761 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

PSS 8771 Current Topics in Weed Science: 1 hour.

PSS 8811 Seminar: 1 hour.

Prerequisites: Graduate Standing). Review of literature on assigned topics; preparation of formal papers and presentation of them at staff seminars

PSS 8821 Seminar: 1 hour.

Prerequisites: Graduate Standing). Review of literature on assigned topics; preparation of formal papers and presentation of them at staff seminars

PSS 8831 Seminar: 1 hour.

Prerequisites: Graduate Standing). Review of literature on assigned topics; preparation of formal papers and presentation of them at staff seminars

PSS 8990 Special Topics in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years). offerings under one title within two academic years)

PSS 9000 Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-13 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged. Hours and credits to be arranged