Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
Department Head: Dr. Darrin Dodds
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 Agronomy (AGN), Envrionmental Sciences in Agricultural Systems (ESAS), 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), Floral Management (HO), Floriculture and Ornamentals (HO), and Fruit and Vegetable Production (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 the major of Plant and Soil Sciences, with concentrations in Agronomy, Horticulture, and Weed Science. Consult the Graduate Bulletin for additional details.
BS in Agronomy (AGN)
Degree Requirements
| English Composition | ||
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3-4 |
| or EN 1104 | Expanded English Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| Select 3 hours from the General Education courses or see Concentrations: | 3 | |
| Science | ||
| BIO 2113 | Plant Biology 1 | 3-4 |
| or BIO 1144 | Biology II | |
| PSS 1313 | Plant Science 1 | 3 |
| See major core/concentration | ||
| Humanities | ||
| See major core/concentration or General Education list | 6 | |
| Fine Arts | ||
| See major core/concentration or General Education list | 3 | |
| Social Science | ||
| AEC 2713 | Introduction to Food and Resource Economics | 3 |
| or EC 2113 | Principles of Macroeconomics | |
| or EC 2123 | Principles of Microeconomics | |
| Select 3 hours from GenEd list | 3 | |
| Major Core | ||
| PSS 3301 | Soils Laboratory 1 | 1 |
| PSS 3303 | Soils 1 | 3 |
| BIO 4214 | General Plant Physiology | 3-4 |
| or PSS 4113 | Agricultural Crop Physiology | |
| PSS 4313 | Soil Fertility and Fertilizers | 3 |
| Oral Communication Requirement: | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| or CO 1013 | Introduction to Communication | |
| Writing Requirement | ||
| AELC 3203 | Professional Writing in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences | 3 |
| Total Hours | 49-53 | |
| 1 | Satisfies General Education requirement |
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.
Internship: SOSI students must complete a miniumum one semester internship with an approved internship spnosor in industry, private consulting firms/individuals, or governmental agencies.
| GR 1123 | Introduction to World Geography 1 | 3 |
| MA 1323 | Trigonometry 1 | 3 |
| MA 1713 | Calculus I 1 | 3 |
| ST 3123 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | 3 |
| BIO 3304 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| CH 1211 | Investigations in Chemistry I 1 | 1 |
| CH 1213 | Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
| CH 1221 | Investigations in Chemistry II 1 | 1 |
| CH 1223 | Chemistry II 1 | 3 |
| CH 2311 | Analytical Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| CH 2313 | Analytical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 4513 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 4523 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| GG 1111 | Earth Sciences I Laboratory | 1 |
| GG 1113 | Survey of Earth Sciences I | 3 |
| PH 1113 | General Physics I | 3 |
| PH 1123 | General Physics II | 3 |
| PSS 3423 | Agronomy Internship | 3 |
| PSS 4314 | Microbiology and Ecology of Soil | 4 |
| PSS 4323 | Soil Classification | 3 |
| PSS 4333 | Soil Conservation and Land Use | 3 |
| PSS 4603 | Soil Chemistry | 3 |
| Restricted Electives (see advisor) 2 | 15 | |
| Computer Science Requirement | ||
| AELC 4203 | Applications of Computer Tech to Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications | 3 |
| or TKT 1273 | ||
| Total Hours | 121-122 | |
| 1 | Satisfies General Education requirements. |
| 2 | Restricted Electives. Select from: ABE 4263, ADS 1113, AEC 3133, BCH 4013, BIO 4213, BIO 4404, CH 3213, CH 4303, CH 4403, CH 4413, EPP 2213, EPP 4113, GG 3133, GG 4114, GG 4304, GG 4503, GR 2313, GR 3113, GR 4603, MA 1723, PSS 3133, PSS 4103, PSS 4123, PSS 4133, PSS 4223, PSS 4373, PSS 4413, PSS 4483, PSS 4553. |
Golf and Sports Turf Management Concentration (GSTM)
Advisor: Associate Professor Barry Stewart
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 2013 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ABE 2873 | Land Surveying | 3 |
| BIO 1134 | Biology I | 4 |
| CH 1043 | Survey of Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
| or CH 1213 | Chemistry I | |
| CH 1053 | Survey of Chemistry II 1 | 3 |
| or CH 1223 | Chemistry II | |
| CH 1051 | Experimental Chemistry 1 | 1 |
| or CH 1211 | Investigations in Chemistry I | |
| CH 2503 | Elementary Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CH 2501 | Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| EPP 3423 | Ornamental and Turfgrass Insects | 3 |
| EPP 4113 | Principles of Plant Pathology | 3 |
| EPP 4523 | Turfgrass Diseases | 3 |
| FLS 1113 | Spanish I 1 | 3 |
| FLS 1123 | Spanish II 1 | 3 |
| LA 4344 | Landscape Architecture Construction IV | 4 |
| MA 1323 | Trigonometry 1 | 3 |
| or ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| or MA 2113 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| MGT 3513 | Introduction to Human Resource Management | 3 |
| PSS 2111 | Turf Management Lab | 1 |
| PSS 2113 | Introduction to Turfgrass Science | 3 |
| PSS 2423 | Plant Materials I | 3 |
| PSS 3133 | Introduction to Weed Science | 3 |
| PSS 3411 | Turf Seminar I | 1 |
| PSS 3421 | Turn Seminar II | 1 |
| PSS 4353 | Arboriculture and Landscape Maintenance | 3 |
| PSS 4413 | Turfgrass Management | 3 |
| PSS 4423 | Golf Course Operations | 3 |
| PSS 4443 | Athletic Field Management | 3 |
| PSS 4823 | Turfgrass Weed Management | 3 |
| Restricted Electives (see advisor) 2 | 6 | |
| Sustainability Elective (see advisor) 3 | 3 | |
| CP 2103 | First Work Semester | 3 |
| CP 2203 | Second Work Semester | 3 |
| CP 3303 | Third Work Semester | 3 |
| Computer Science Requirement | ||
| Total Hours | 122-123 | |
| 1 | Satisfies General Education requirements. |
| 2 | Restricted Electives. Select from: ABE 2173, BCH 4013, CO 3213, CO 2253, CO 3833, FIN 2003, GR 1604, KI 2213, LA 3603, LA 4753, PE 1081, PH 1113, PSS 3473, PSS 3633, PSS 3923, PSS 4043, PSS 4223, PSS 4314, PSS 4323, PSS 4333,PSS 4343 PSS 4363, PSS 4373, PSS 4503, PSS 4553 |
| 3 |
Integrated Crop Management Concentration (ICM)
Advisors: Professors Brian Baldwin, Jac Vacaro, William Kingery, Michael Cox
Associate Professors 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 representatives, assistant 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.
Internship: ICM students must complete a minimum one semester internship with an approved internship sponsor in industry, private consulting firms/individuals, or governmental agencies.
| AEC 3133 | Introductory Agribusiness Management | 3 |
| BCH 4013 | Principles of Biochemistry | 3 |
| BIO 3304 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| or PSS 4314 | Microbiology and Ecology of Soil | |
| CH 1043 | Survey of Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
| or CH 1213 | Chemistry I | |
| CH 1053 | Survey of Chemistry II 1 | 3 |
| or CH 1223 | Chemistry II | |
| CH 1051 | Experimental Chemistry | 1 |
| or CH 1211 | Investigations in Chemistry I | |
| CH 2503 | Elementary Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CH 2501 | Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| EPP 2213 | Introduction to Insects | 3 |
| EPP 4113 | Principles of Plant Pathology | 3 |
| MKT 3013 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| PO 3103 | Genetics I | 3 |
| PSS 3133 | Introduction to Weed Science | 3 |
| PSS 3423 | Agronomy Internship | 3 |
| Restricted Electives (see advisor) 2 | 24 | |
| Unrestricted Electives | 6 | |
| Computer Science Requirement | ||
| AELC 4203 | Applications of Computer Tech to Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications | 3 |
| or TKT 1273 | ||
| Writing Requirement | ||
See Major Core | ||
| Total Hours | 121-122 | |
| 1 | Satisfies General Education requirements. |
| 2 | Restricted Electives. Select from: ABE 3513, EPP 4163, EPP 4234, EPP 4263, GA 1111, MA 1713, PH 1113, PSS 2423, PSS 3043, 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 4413, PSS 4453, PSS 4483, PSS 4503,PSS 4553, PSS 4603, PSS 4633, PSS 4813. |
Integrated Pest Management Concentration (IPM)
Major Advisor: Assistant Professor Fred R. Musser and Connor Ferguson
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 or PSS 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.
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.
| BIO 1134 | Biology I 1 | 4 |
| CH 1051 | Experimental Chemistry | 1 |
| or CH 1211 | Investigations in Chemistry I | |
| CH 1043 | Survey of Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
| or CH 1213 | Chemistry I | |
| CH 1053 | Survey of Chemistry II 1 | 3 |
| or CH 1223 | Chemistry II | |
| CH 2503 | Elementary Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| EPP 4113 | Principles of Plant Pathology | 3 |
| EPP 4154 | General Entomology | 4 |
| EPP 4163 | Plant Disease Management | 3 |
| EPP 4263 | Principles of Insect Pest Management | 3 |
| PO 3103 | Genetics I | 3 |
| PSS 3133 | Introduction to Weed Science | 3 |
| PSS 3423 | Agronomy Internship | 3 |
| PSS 4553 | Plant Growth and Development | 3 |
| PSS 4633 | Weed Biology and Ecology | 3 |
| PSS 4813 | Herbicide Technology | 3 |
| ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics 1 | 3 |
| or ST 3123 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | |
| Restricted Electives (see advisor) 2 | 18 | |
| Unrestricted Electives | 6 | |
| Writing Requirement | ||
See Major Core | ||
| Computer Literacy | ||
| AELC 4203 | Applications of Computer Tech to Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications | 3 |
| or TKT 1273 | ||
| Total Hours | 121-122 | |
| 1 | Satisfies University Core. |
| 2 | Restricted Electives. Select from: ABE 3513, ABE 4313, ACC 2013, AEC 3113, AEC 3133, AEC 3213, AEC 3233, AEC 3513, AEC 4123, BIO 3304, BIO 4203, EPP 3124, EPP 3423, EPP 4214, EPP 4234, EPP 4244,EPP 4523 EPP 4543,FO 4313, FO 4453, GR 2313, GR 3303, GR 4303, GR 4323, LA 1333, MGT 3513, MKT 3013, 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 4413, PSS 4453, WFA 4153, WFA 4253. |
BS in Environmental Sciences in Agricultural Systems (ESAS)
Major Advisor: Dr. Michael Cox
The Environmental Sciences in Agricultural Systems (ESAS) curriculum provides an educational foundation to prepare students for diversified careers focused on environmental issues related to agronomic and horticultural production. Students completing this curriculum are prepared for careers in national and international environmental agricultural consulting, government conservation agencies, teaching, and research. Required courses provide training in environmental sciences related to agricultural issues.
Degree Requirements
| English Composition | ||
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3-4 |
| or EN 1104 | Expanded English Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| ST 3123 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | 3 |
| or MA 1323 | Trigonometry | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| BIO 1134 | Biology I | 4 |
| CH 1211 | Investigations in Chemistry I | 1 |
| CH 1213 | Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 1221 | Investigations in Chemistry II | 1 |
| Humanities | ||
| FLS 1113 | Spanish I | 3 |
| FLS 1123 | Spanish II | 3 |
| Fine Arts | ||
| Select from General Education courses | 3 | |
| Social/Behavioral Sciences | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Food and Resource Economics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Select additional course from General Education options | 3 | |
| Oral Communication Requirement | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| or CO 1013 | Introduction to Communication | |
| Computer Literacy Requirement | ||
| AELC 4203 | Applications of Computer Tech to Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications | 3 |
| or AEC 1223 | Computer Applications for Agriculturists and Life Scientists | |
| Junior Level Writing Requirement | ||
| AELC 3203 | Professional Writing in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences | 3 |
| Major Core | ||
| ADS 1113 & ADS 1121 | Animal Science and Animal Science Laboratory | 4 |
| BIO 1144 | Biology II | 4 |
| BIO 2503 | Environmental Quality | 3 |
| BIO 3304 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| BIO 4214 | General Plant Physiology | 3-4 |
| or PSS 4113 | Agricultural Crop Physiology | |
| CH 1223 | Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 2501 | Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CH 2503 | Elementary Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| ENS 2103 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 |
| GG 1111 | Earth Sciences I Laboratory | 1 |
| GG 1113 | Survey of Earth Sciences I | 3 |
| GG 3613 | Water Resources | 3 |
| PH 1113 | General Physics I | 3 |
| PO 3103 | Genetics I | 3 |
| PSS 1313 | Plant Science | 3 |
| PSS 3301 | Soils Laboratory | 1 |
| PSS 3303 | Soils | 3 |
| PSS 3423 | Agronomy Internship | 3 |
| or PSS 3433 | Horticulture Internship | |
| Agricultural Systems Electives - see advisor for list of approved courses | 6 | |
| Restricted Electives - see advisor for list of approved courses | 21 | |
| Total Hours | 123-124 | |
BS in Horticulture (HO)
Degree Requirements
| English Composition | ||
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1104 | Expanded English Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| See concentration requirements | ||
| Science | ||
| See concentration requirements | ||
| Humanities | ||
| See concentration requirements | ||
| Fine Arts | ||
| See concentration requirements | ||
| Social/Behavioral Sciences | ||
| AEC 2713 | Introduction to Food and Resource Economics * | 3 |
| or EC 2123 | Principles of Microeconomics | |
| or EC 2113 | Principles of Macroeconomics | |
| See concentration requirements | 3 | |
| Major Core | ||
| ACC 2013 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 3 |
| EPP 2213 | Introduction to Insects | 3 |
| or EPP 3423 | Ornamental and Turfgrass Insects | |
| MKT 3013 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| PSS 1313 | Plant Science | 3 |
| PSS 3511 | Seminar | 1 |
| PSS 3923 | Plant Propagation | 3 |
| Writing Requirement | ||
| AELC 3203 | Professional Writing in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences | 3 |
| Oral Communcation Requirement | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| or CO 1013 | Introduction to Communication | |
| Computer Literacy Requirement | ||
| AEC 1223 | Computer Applications for Agriculturists and Life Scientists | 3 |
| or AELC 4203 | Applications of Computer Tech to Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications | |
| or BIS 1012 | Introduction to Business Information Systems | |
| or TKT 1273 | ||
| * | Students in Floral Management concentration may not select EC 2113. |
Choose one of the following concentrations:
Floral Management Concentration (FLMG)
Instructors: Lynette McDougald and Dr. Coleman Etheredge
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 10 week, 400 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.
| Additional General Education courses | ||
| BIO 2113 | Plant Biology 1 | 3 |
| CH 1043 | Survey of Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
| or CH 1213 | Chemistry I | |
| CH 1053 | Survey of Chemistry II 1 | 3 |
| or CH 1223 | Chemistry II | |
| CH 1051 | Experimental Chemistry 1 | 1 |
| or CH 1211 | Investigations in Chemistry I | |
| PSS 2343 | Floral Design 1 | 3 |
| Math course from General Education 1 | 3 | |
| Humanities - Select from General Education courses 1 | 6 | |
| Concentration courses | ||
| ACC 2023 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| ART 1113 | Art Appreciation | 3 |
| ART 1123 | Design I | 3 |
| BL 2413 | The Legal Environment of Business | 3 |
| EC 2113 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| FIN 3113 | Financial Systems | 3 |
| HS 2603 | Interior Design Fundamentals | 3 |
| LA 1423 | History of Landscape Architecture | 3 |
| PS 1113 | American Government | 3 |
| PSS 2423 | Plant Materials I | 3 |
| PSS 3313 | Interior Planting Design and Maintenance | 3 |
| PSS 3343 | Wedding Floral Design | 3 |
| PSS 3413 | Floristry Internship | 3 |
| PSS 3443 | Permanent Botanical Floral Design | 3 |
| PSS 4023 | Floral Management | 3 |
| PSS 4073 | Sympathy Floral Design | 3 |
| PSS 4083 | Floral Design for Special Events | 3 |
| PSS 4093 | Post-harvest Care of Cut Floral Crops | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | General Psychology 1 | 3 |
| Restricted Electives (see advisor) 2 | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 121 | |
| 1 | Satisfies General Education requirements. |
| 2 | Restricted Electives. Select from: EPP 4113, PSS 3043, PSS 3303, PSS 3473, PSS 4000,PSS 4043, PSS 4143, PSS 4343, PSS 4353, PSS 4363, PSS 4453, PSS 4503, PSS 4613. |
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.
| Additional General Education courses | ||
| BIO 1134 | Biology I 1 | 4 |
| BIO 2113 | Plant Biology 1 | 3-4 |
| or BIO 1144 | Biology II | |
| CH 1043 | Survey of Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
| or CH 1213 | Chemistry I | |
| CH 1051 | Experimental Chemistry 1 | 1 |
| or CH 1211 | Investigations in Chemistry I | |
| CH 1053 | Survey of Chemistry II 1 | 3 |
| or CH 1223 | Chemistry II | |
| MA /ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics 1 | 3 |
| FLS 1113 | Spanish I 1 | 3 |
| FLS 1123 | Spanish II 1 | 3 |
| Social Sciences - select from General Education courses 1 | 3 | |
| PSS 2343 | Floral Design 1 | 3 |
| or LA 1803 | Landscape Architecture Appreciation | |
| Concentration courses | ||
| BIO 4214 | General Plant Physiology | 3-4 |
| or PSS 4113 | Agricultural Crop Physiology | |
| CH 2501 | Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CH 2503 | Elementary Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| EPP 4113 | Principles of Plant Pathology | 3 |
| PO 3103 | Genetics I | 3 |
| PSS 2423 | Plant Materials I | 3 |
| PSS 3301 | Soils Laboratory | 1 |
| PSS 3303 | Soils | 3 |
| PSS 3313 | Interior Planting Design and Maintenance | 3 |
| PSS 3433 | Horticulture Internship | 3 |
| PSS 3473 | Plant Materials II | 3 |
| PSS 4341 | Controlled Environment Agriculture Laboratory | 1 |
| PSS 4343 | Controlled Environment Agriculture | 3 |
| PSS 4363 | Sustainable Nursery Production | 3 |
| PSS 4613 | Floriculture Crop Programming | 3 |
| Restricted Electives (see advisor) 2 | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 122 | |
| 1 | Satisfies General Education requirements. |
| 2 | Restricted Electives. Select from: AEC 3133 AEC 3413, BCH 4013, BIO 3304, BIO 4204,BIO 4203, BIO 4213, BIO 4404, EPP 4163, EPP 4263, FLS 2133, FLS 2143, LA 1333, LA 4753,MKT 3213, PSS 2113, PSS 2343, PSS 3133, PSS 3043, PSS 3343, PSS 3443, PSS 3633, PSS 4000, PSS 4023, PSS 4073, PSS 4083, PSS 4093 PSS 4143, PSS 4313, PSS 4353, PSS 4043, PSS 4413, PSS 4453, PSS 4503, PSS 4553. |
Fruit and Vegetable Production (FVP)
Advisors: Professor Richard Harkess and Assistant Professor Tongyin Li
Fruit and Vegetable Production (FVP) offers opportunities that are challenging, intellectually stimulating, and economically rewarding. Fruit and Vegetable Production focuses on the production, distribution, and marketing of fruits and vegetables for local consumption and commercial markets. It offers a wide variety of employment opportunities and competitive salaries. Students completing this curriculum are prepared for careers in local and commercial production of fruits and vegetables, marketing, quality control, purchasing, research, and technical product research sales.
| Additional General Education courses | ||
| BIO 1134 | Biology I 1 | 4 |
| BIO 2113 | Plant Biology 1 | 3-4 |
| or BIO 1144 | Biology II | |
| CH 1043 | Survey of Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
| or CH 1213 | Chemistry I | |
| CH 1051 | Experimental Chemistry | 1 |
| or CH 1221 | Investigations in Chemistry II | |
| CH 1053 | Survey of Chemistry II 1 | 3 |
| or CH 1223 | Chemistry II | |
| MA 2113 | Introduction to Statistics 1 | 3 |
| or ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| FLS 1113 | Spanish I 1 | 3 |
| FLS 1123 | Spanish II 1 | 3 |
| Social Sciences - Select from General Education courses 1 | 3 | |
| Fine Arts - Select from General Education courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration courses | ||
| BIO 4214 | General Plant Physiology | 3-4 |
| or PSS 4113 | Agricultural Crop Physiology | |
| CH 2501 | Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CH 2503 | Elementary Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| EPP 4113 | Principles of Plant Pathology | 3 |
| PO 3103 | Genetics I | 3 |
| PSS 3043 | Fruit Science | 3 |
| PSS 3133 | Introduction to Weed Science | 3 |
| PSS 3301 | Soils Laboratory | 1 |
| PSS 3303 | Soils | 3 |
| PSS 3433 | Horticulture Internship | 3 |
| PSS 3633 | Sustainable and Organic Horticulture | 3 |
| PSS 4143 | Advanced Fruit Science | 3 |
| PSS 4313 | Soil Fertility and Fertilizers | 3 |
| PSS 4453 | Vegetable Production | 3 |
| Restricted Electives | 12 | |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 121 | |
| 1 | Satisfies General Education requirements. |
| 2 | Restricted Electives. Select from: AEC 3133, AEC 3413, BCH 4013, BIO 3304, BIO 4204, BIO 4203, BIO 4213, BIO 4404, EPP 4163, EPP 4263 FNH 4114, FNH 4164, FNH 4193, FNH 4583, MKT 3213, PH 1113, PSS 2423, PSS 3473, PSS 4000, PSS 4093, PSS 4314, PSS 4333,PSS 4341,PSS 4343, PSS 4373, PSS 4043, PSS 4483, PSS 4503, PSS 4553, PSS 4633, PSS 4813 |
Minors
Agronomy
There is a growing need for people with specialized knowledge outside the field of agronomy. The agronomic industry recruits and employs personnel trained in areas such as accounting, biological sciences, business, computer science, human nutrition, microbiology, engineering, advertising and marketing, veterinary medicine, human resource management and law. A minor in Agronomy provides these individuals enhanced employment opportunities in agriculture.
Students seeking an Agronomy minor are required to complete the following courses to receive a minor in Agronomy:
| PSS 1313 | Plant Science | 3 |
| PSS 3303 | Soils | 3 |
| PSS 3133 | Introduction to Weed Science | 3 |
| Choose 9 hours from the following: | 9 | |
| Turf Management Lab | ||
| Introduction to Turfgrass Science | ||
| Forage and Pasture Crops | ||
| Grain Crops | ||
| Fiber and Oilseed Crops | ||
| Seed Production | ||
| Soil Fertility and Fertilizers | ||
| Microbiology and Ecology of Soil | ||
| Soil Classification | ||
| Soil Conservation and Land Use | ||
| Geospatial Agronomic Management | ||
| Turfgrass Management | ||
| Golf Course Operations | ||
| Athletic Field Management | ||
| Introduction to Remote Sensing Technologies | ||
| Plant Breeding | ||
| Soil Chemistry | ||
| Weed Biology and Ecology | ||
| Herbicide Technology | ||
| Turfgrass Weed Management | ||
| Total hours | 18 | |
Floral Management
A minor in Floral Management is available. To obtain a minor, students are required to complete the following 15 hours:
| PSS 2343 | Floral Design | 3 |
| Choose four of the following courses: | 12 | |
| Interior Planting Design and Maintenance | ||
| Wedding Floral Design | ||
| Permanent Botanical Floral Design | ||
| Floral Management | ||
| Sympathy Floral Design | ||
| Floral Design for Special Events | ||
| Post-harvest Care of Cut Floral Crops | ||
Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture
A minor in Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture is available. To obtain a minor, students are required to complete 15 hours.
| PSS 2423 | Plant Materials I | 3 |
| PSS 3473 | Plant Materials II | 3 |
| PSS 3923 | Plant Propagation | 3 |
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| 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 2111 Turf Management Lab: 1 hour.
Two hours laboratory. (Pre or co-requisites PSS 2113). This lab gives the student hands on experience with grass and weed identification and turfgrass management operations. Turfgrass calculations and equipment calibration will be mastered
PSS 2113 Introduction to Turfgrass Science: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Introduction to basic principles associated with the art and science of turfgrass management including propagation, establishment, renovation, and basic pest management
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 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 2543 Precision Agriculture I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and MA 1313). Two hours lecture. Two hours lab. This introductory course highlights site-specific crop management techniques. Topics include: Best Management Practices, economic and physical farm production models, and measurement of variability (same as ABE 2543)
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 3043 Fruit Science: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Principles and practices involved in the production of deciduous trees and small fruits
PSS 3133 Introduction to Weed Science: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: BIO 2113; 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. 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. 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 3323 Horticultural Impacts on Society: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. An in-depth inquiry into the various areas of sociohorticulture and the impact people-plant interactions have on us and our society environmentally, socially, physically, and economically
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.
(Pre-requisites: PSS 2343 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 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.
(Prerequisite: PSS 2343). 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 2113). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Basic principles in the propagation of horticultural plants
PSS 4000 Directed Individual Study in Plant and Soil Sciences: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
PSS 4023 Floral Management: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Online course. To identify and understand the basic principles necessary to operate wholesale and retail floral businesses
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 4073 Sympathy Floral Design: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite PSS 2343). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Application of design theory and principles used in sympathy work
PSS 4083 Floral Design for Special Events: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 2343). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Planning and preparing of floral design compositions for use in special events
PSS 4093 Post-harvest Care of Cut Floral Crops: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Identification, postharvest care and handling, sourcing and distribution of cut floriculture plant materials
PSS 4103 Forage and Pasture Crops: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. 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. Corn, small grain, practice in commercial grading given in laboratory
PSS 4133 Fiber and Oilseed Crops: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Three hours lecture. 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
PSS 4153 Sustainable Agroecology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PSS 1313, PSS 3303). Online. Three hours lecture. The study of interactions between crops and abiotic and biotic environments. Emphasis is placed on quantitatively examining theory and principles for production, stability and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems
PSS 4223 Seed Production: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. 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. Fundamentals and concepts of soil fertility; sources and responses of crops to plant nutrients; soil fertility evaluation and maintenance through fertilization
PSS 4314 Microbiology and Ecology of Soil: 4 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). 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. 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. 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, PSS 3133). Three hours lecture. This class will utilize the basic tools of geographical information systems and geographical positioning systems technologies to analyze agronomic case studies
PSS 4383 Agriculture Remote Sensing I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: MA 1313 and any GIS course or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Two hours lab. Online course. The study of whole-farm systems using data captured by camera, spectroscopic satellites, and telemetric sensors. Emphasis is placed on integrating multiple ag-related geospatial concepts into field-level production inquiries
PSS 4393 Agriculture Remote Sensing II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 4383/6383 or GR 4313/6313). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. The advanced study of whole-farm systems using data captured by camera, spectroscopic satellites, and telemetric sensors. Emphasis is placed on integrating multiple ag-related geospatial concepts into field-level production inquiries
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 4413 Turfgrass Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 2113). Three hours lecture. An advanced comprehensive study of turfgrasses and the varied management strategies employed for golf and sports turf, home lawns, commercial turf, and sod production
PSS 4423 Golf Course Operations: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 4413/6413). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Scheduling maintenance practices, golf course construction and renovation with emphasis on operation and care of specialized turf equipment
PSS 4443 Athletic Field Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 3303, PSS 4413, 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 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 4463 Community Food Systems: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Exploration of aspects in community food systems including planning and design, sustainable growing practices, and human nutrition and health. (Same as LA 4463/6463 and FNH 4463/6463)
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 4543 Precision Agriculture II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS/ABE 2543 and Junior Standing). Two hours lecture. Two hours lab. Site-specific management techniques are examined. Continuous decision-making processes of farm production are integrated using a whole-system, geospatial approach (same as ABE 4543/6543)
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.
(Prerequisite: PSS 4343/6343). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. A detailed study of the techniques involved in the production of the major commercial flower crops
PSS 4633 Weed Biology and Ecology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: BIO 2113. PSS 3133. Junior standing or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory . Weed identification and population responses to agricultural production systems
PSS 4733 Ag. Flight Technologies I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PSS 4383/6383 OR Instructor Approval). One hour lecture, four hours laboratory. The course instructs students in Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) manual flight skills and the FAA Remote Pilot certification exam materials, and is a prerequisite course for advanced autonomous flight training (PSS 4743/6743)
PSS 4743 Ag. Flight Technologies II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PSS 4733/6733 Ag. Flight Tech. I AND Instructor Approval). Three hours lecture. Enrolled students attend a week-long advanced autonomous flight workshop at Mississippi State University, Starkville campus. At week’s end, students take the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. (Course may be taken two times)
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. Credit may not be given for this course and PSS 4823/6823
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 6013 Principles of Floral Design: 3 hours.
Online course. 2hours lectures, 2 hours lab. Focus on design principles, value-added products and longevity
PSS 6023 Floral Management: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Online course. To identify and understand the basic principles necessary to operate wholesale and retail floral businesses
PSS 6033 Case Studies in Floral Management: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Online course. (Prerequisites: PSS 2343 or PSS 6013 and graduate standing). Identification of current problems in floral management and the development of strategies for their resolution
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 6073 Sympathy Floral Design: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite PSS 2343). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Application of design theory and principles used in sympathy work
PSS 6083 Floral Design for Special Events: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 2343). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Planning and preparing of floral design compositions for use in special events
PSS 6093 Post-harvest Care of Cut Floral Crops: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Identification, postharvest care and handling, sourcing and distribution of cut floriculture plant materials
PSS 6103 Forage and Pasture Crops: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. 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. Corn, small grain, practice in commercial grading given in laboratory
PSS 6133 Fiber and Oilseed Crops: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Three hours lecture. 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
PSS 6153 Sustainable Agroecology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PSS 1313, PSS 3303). Online. Three hours lecture. The study of interactions between crops and abiotic and biotic environments. Emphasis is placed on quantitatively examining theory and principles for production, stability and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems
PSS 6223 Seed Production: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. 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. Fundamentals and concepts of soil fertility; sources and responses of crops to plant nutrients; soil fertility evaluation and maintenance through fertilization
PSS 6314 Microbiology and Ecology of Soil: 4 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 3303). 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. 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. 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, PSS 3133). Three hours lecture. This class will utilize the basic tools of geographical information systems and geographical positioning systems technologies to analyze agronomic case studies
PSS 6383 Agriculture Remote Sensing I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: MA 1313 and any GIS course or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Two hours lab. Online course. The study of whole-farm systems using data captured by camera, spectroscopic satellites, and telemetric sensors. Emphasis is placed on integrating multiple ag-related geospatial concepts into field-level production inquiries
PSS 6393 Agriculture Remote Sensing II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 4383/6383 or GR 4313/6313). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. The advanced study of whole-farm systems using data captured by camera, spectroscopic satellites, and telemetric sensors. Emphasis is placed on integrating multiple ag-related geospatial concepts into field-level production inquiries
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 6413 Turfgrass Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 2113). Three hours lecture. An advanced comprehensive study of turfgrasses and the varied management strategies employed for golf and sports turf, home lawns, commercial turf, and sod production
PSS 6423 Golf Course Operations: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 4413/6413). Two hours lecture . Two hours laboratory. Scheduling maintenance practices, golf course construction and renovation with emphasis on operation and care of specialized turf equipment
PSS 6443 Athletic Field Management: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 3303, PSS 4413, 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 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 6463 Community Food Systems: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Exploration of aspects in community food systems including planning and design, sustainable growing practices, and human nutrition and health. (Same as LA 4463/6463 and FNH 4463/6463)
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 6543 Precision Agriculture II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS/ABE 2543 and Junior Standing). Two hours lecture. Two hours lab. Site-specific management techniques are examined. Continuous decision-making processes of farm production are integrated using a whole-system, geospatial approach (same as ABE 4543/6543)
PSS 6553 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 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.
(Prerequisite: PSS 4343/6343). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. A detailed study of the techniques involved in the production of the major commercial flower crops
PSS 6633 Weed Biology and Ecology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: BIO 2113. PSS 3133. Junior standing or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory . Weed identification and population responses to agricultural production systems
PSS 6733 Ag. Flight Technologies I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PSS 4383/6383 OR Instructor Approval). One hour lecture, four hours laboratory. The course instructs students in Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) manual flight skills and the FAA Remote Pilot certification exam materials, and is a prerequisite course for advanced autonomous flight training (PSS 4743/6743)
PSS 6743 Ag. Flight Technologies II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PSS 4733/6733 Ag. Flight Tech. I AND Instructor Approval). Three hours lecture. Enrolled students attend a week-long advanced autonomous flight workshop at Mississippi State University, Starkville campus. At week’s end, students take the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. (Course may be taken two times)
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. Credit may not be given for this course and PSS 4823/6823
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 8012 Thesis Proposal Writing: 2 hours.
Two hours lecture. Students access and apply university thesis standards to their research. Focusing on clear, lucid writing techniques with appropriate style and grammar, in collaboration with the major professor, students complete the first three sections of their research thesis in this course
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. 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. 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. 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.
(Prerequisites: Graduate standing). Three hours lecture. Advanced course in soil fertility; special emphasis on all soil conditions affecting plant growth. Study of plant nutrient interactions with the soil solid phase and solution phase
PSS 8343 Soil Plant Atmosphere Relationships: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 3301 and PSS 3303 or consent of instructor). Three-hour lecture on-line. Relationship of physical factors, water and heat, within the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. Field-scale regimes including inputs, movement, and storage; emphasis on crop production
PSS 8513 Advanced Plant Breeding: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 4503/6503 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. 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 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.
(Prerequisite: BIO 4204/6204). Three hours lecture. An intense review of methods of plant One hour lecture. Four hours improvement and the application of these methods to modern laboratory. Development of the floral and vegetative organs of horticultural plants. (Same as PSS 8513 and GNS 8113)
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, PSS 4813/6813). Three hours lecture. Three hours labatory. Fate of herbicides, including of drift, volatility, metabolism, environmental factors that influence these processes
PSS 8643 Principles of Spray Application and Technology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PSS 4813/6813). Two hours lecture. Two hours lab. This course will examine the science and technical principles of spray application technologies and how they work in agriculture. This course will also cover adjuvant, nozzle, pump, physical and chemical properties of sprays and how to design a sprayer
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 8645 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, 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 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
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