Environmental Plant Science and Natural Resources Courses

This course examines the practice of agro-ecology: the interface of management, biology, and the environment in our effort to produce food, feed, and fiber for a rapidly growing human population. Consequences of historical and current practices, as well as strengths and weaknesses of alternative practices that attempt to employ more knowledge of biology and ecology, will also be evaluated.

Introduction to field of forestry. In addition to traditional topics of species identification, biology and timber management, this course examines the sociological, environmental, political and industrial influences on domestic and international management of forest resources.

Recommended Prerequisite: CHM 107 or 116 or CHM 160. Physical, chemical and biological activities within the soil as related to moisture, temperature, drainage, and tillage.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGN 215 or concurrent enrollment. Laboratory and computer methods for evaluation of the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGN 143. This course encompasses topics of forestry science including tree identification, Missouri forest products, integrated wildlife management, hardwood and shortleaf pine management, timber sales, urban forestry and more. The course is centered on in-field examples and field work. Each student will also compile a forestry management plan as a final project.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or AGN 115 or AGN 215. The history and policies surrounding management of soil and water resources will be considered, but the majority of class time will be used addressing the processes of erosion and nutrient loss, and the practices used to conserve natural resources and sustain productivity/function of cropland, pasture, urban, and wild landscapes. May be taught concurrently with AGN 635. Cannot receive credit for both AGN 335 and AGN 635.

Dendrology includes the study of plant taxonomy, with emphasis in identification, species associations, morphology, and range of tree and woody shrub species. This course will focus on dendrology of tree species common to Missouri and surrounding states, and the identification of cellular features of both hardwood and softwood species and of tree species based on wood characteristics alone.

Theory and practice of forest sampling and cruising techniques including: stratified and non-stratified sampling systems with fixed plots, variable plots, and tree measurement techniques. Special emphasis is placed on practical application of forest measurements through field experience and computer-based learning.

This course will focus on factors affecting forest structure and composition, the effects of environmental gradients on plant species distribution, the dynamics of vegetation communities over time, and key ecosystem-level processes such as the cycling of carbon and nutrients.

Production and management of quail, pheasants and other game birds.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGN 143. This course provides basic knowledge of wildland and prescribed fire management and utilizes the National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) entry level courses to prepare for NWCG firefighter qualification. Subjects include fireline leadership, organization, suppression tactics, fire weather, fire suppression, prescribed fire tools, natural cover fuels, and an introduction to the use of prescribed fire for wildlife habitat management.

Principles of soil fertility, amendments and factors affecting nutrient availability and plant growth. May be taught concurrently with AGN 605. Cannot receive credit for both AGN 405 and AGN 605.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGN 215. Pedogenetic processes that are responsible for genesis, morphology, and classification of the twelve orders of soil taxonomy will be covered along with interpretation of water relationships, site characteristics, soil classification and land use. May be taught concurrently with AGN 655. Cannot receive credit for both AGN 455 and AGN 655.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGN 215. Application of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties influencing agriculture, natural resources, and environmental science. Students will determine site suitability for agricultural and engineering purposes using information from onsite evaluations, soil survey, and other appropriate resources. May be taught concurrently with AGN 665. Cannot receive credit for both AGN 465 and AGN 665.

Assigned investigations, dealing with current problems in plant science and soil science supervised by an agricultural staff member. Student prepares outline, investigates sources of information concerning the subject, and summarizes the findings in a written report. May be repeated with permission.

This course will examine natural tree and stand development, as well as fundamentals of forest stand dynamics, site productivity, stand density and tree growth. As such, this course will provide a scientific and practical basis for concepts such as regeneration techniques, density management, wildlife habitat management and other silvicultural principles. May be taught concurrently with AGN 643. Cannot receive credit for both AGN 543 and AGN 643.

Theoretical and applied aspects of soil fertility emphasizing ion transport, nutrient availability, and root absorption in soils-plant environments. May be taught concurrently with AGN 405. Cannot receive credit for both AGN 405 and AGN 605.

The history and policies surrounding management of soil and water resources will be considered, but the majority of class time will be used addressing the processes of erosion and nutrient loss, and the practices used to conserve natural resources and sustain productivity/function of cropland, pasture, urban, and wild landscapes. May be taught concurrently with AGN 335. Cannot receive credit for both AGN 335 and AGN 635.

This course will examine natural tree and stand development, as well as fundamentals of forest stand dynamics, site productivity, stand density and tree growth. As such, this course will provide a scientific and practical basis for concepts such as regeneration techniques, density management, wildlife habitat management and other silvicultural principles. May be taught concurrently with AGN 543. Cannot receive credit for both AGN 543 and AGN 643.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGN 465. Pedogenetic processes, macromorphology, micromorphology, redoximorphic features, and classification as related to soil taxonomy, with GIS applications for use of soil survey information discussed, if time allows. May be taught concurrently with AGN 455. Cannot receive credit for both AGN 455 and AGN 655.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGN 215. Application of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties influencing agriculture, natural resources, and environmental science. Students will determine site suitability for agricultural and engineering purposes using information from onsite evaluations, soil survey, and other appropriate resources. May be taught concurrently with AGN 465. Cannot receive credit for both AGN 465 and AGN 665.

Special study in an identified area of natural resources not treated in other courses. Recent advances and new research techniques will be discussed. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of nine hours provided the same topic is not duplicated.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGN 465. Field interpretation of physical and chemical properties, water relationships, and soil landscape relationships.

An advanced topic in natural resources will be addressed via faculty lectures and student projects. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of nine hours provided the same topic is not duplicated.

An introduction to the fascinating world of plant science and plant physiology including the areas of food and ornamental crops and sustainable agriculture.

Provides opportunities for 'hands-on' application of concepts of plant science through the use of basic plant science research and production practices.

An introduction to wine in the modern world. History, classification, production and the geography of wine. The basics of wine appreciation will also be examined.

Students create their own fresh flower designs using principles of floral design. Production, distribution, and marketing of the cut flower industry will be explored and supported through a site visit to a local flower wholesaler.

Students will understand expanded concepts and elements of floral design while creating their own fresh flower arrangements. Business model approaches in the floral industry will be evaluated, including planning and pricing of floral designs and events.

Students participate in a series of tastings designed to introduce them to the major wine types and the range of styles within those types. Tests and other materials will be available online.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or AGN 115 or BIO 101 and 111 or BIO 121. Horticultural concepts and their application to the growth and maintenance of fruit, vegetables and ornamentals common to most homes. Will not count toward the Environmental Plant Science major or Horticulture minor. May be taught concurrently with AGP 603. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 303 and AGP 603.

This course explores concepts in plant anatomy and introductory physiology to understand how plants grow and develop in their environment. The laboratory portion includes hands-on experiments in plant growth, mineral nutrition, water relations, photosynthesis, and growth regulator responses.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or AGN 115 or BIO 101 and 111 or BIO 121. Nomenclature, identification, characteristics and cultural requirements of indoor and outdoor herbaceous ornamental plants.

Development and drafting of designs for residential, business, and recreational landscapes. Concepts focus on incorporating plants and materials to create aesthetic, functional, low-maintenance, sustainable and environmentally-friendly landscaping.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or BIO 101 and 111 or BIO 121. A scientific approach to the physiology of turfgrass in response to the environment, and the selection, establishment, maintenance and pest management relevant to utility, lawn and sports turf. Field trips required. May be taught concurrently with AGP 653. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 353 and AGP 653.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or BIO 101 and 111 or BIO 121. Identification, classification and adaptation of common trees, shrubs and groundcovers used for landscape purposes.

Adaptation, production, and utilization of the major grain crops for human and animal (livestock and wildlife) consumption and energy production. May be taught concurrently with AGP 665. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 365 and AGP 665.

Adaptation, production and utilization of the major forage crops for grazing, hay, and silage production, as well as their effects on environmental quality and wildlife. May be taught concurrently with AGP 670. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 370 and AGP 670.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or BIO 101 and 111 or BIO 121. The culture and management of tree fruit, grapes, strawberries and other small fruit. Nuts, tropical and subtropical fruits, sustainable management, and production technology are also addressed. May be taught concurrently with AGP 693. Students cannot receive credit for both AGP 393 and AGP 693.

Special study in an identified area of plant science not treated in other courses. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of nine hours provided the same topic is not duplicated.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 363 or BIO 334 or BIO 339. General principles and practices involved in the commercial production, management, and marketing of landscape plants. Field trips required.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 and AGP 104 and AGN 405 and AGP 453. This course focuses on the "growing" industry of hydroponics, and includes the different methods and systems used to grow plants without soil, and the science of plant nutrition and production. In the hands-on lab, students plan, build, and manage hydroponic systems for growing plants and apply entrepreneurial strategies for associated business plans. Field trips include visiting local hydroponic growers. May be taught concurrently with AGP 625. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 425 and AGP 625.

Concepts and development of sustainable landscapes for residential, commercial and government land, including rain gardens, green roofs, riparian buffer zones, prairie and wetlands, plus more in-depth coverage of specialized landscape areas such as water gardens and Japanese-style gardens. Training in use of landscape design 2D/3D software is included.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or AGN 115 or BIO 101 and 111 or BIO 121. Methods and practices of home and commercial vegetable production with an emphasis on using environmentally-friendly production and maintenance techniques to optimize yield and quality of vegetables. The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the practices required for commercial production of a wide variety of vegetables. May be taught concurrently with AGP 641. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 441 and AGP 641.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or BIO 101 and 111 or BIO 121. Exposing students to basic and advanced principles of growing vegetable crops, this is a hands-on immersion in vegetable production, including crop planning, preparing the garden/field, creating and/or maintaining healthy garden soils, crop propagation, multiple methods of constructing plant support and season-extension structures, cultural care including pest control, fertilization and attracting beneficial organisms to the soil and plants, harvesting, and proper postharvest techniques.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or AGN 115 or BIO 101 and 111 or BIO 121. Site selection, design, construction, management, and production methods of crops grown in high tunnels. Sustainable production methods are emphasized. May be taught concurrently with AGP 644. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 444 and AGP 644.

General, stress-related and post-harvest physiology of horticulture and agronomic crops in relationship to their environments. May be taught concurrently with AGP 633. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 453 and AGP 633.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or AGN 115 or BIO 101 and 111 or BIO 121. This course encompasses detailed coverage of nucleic acids, plant genomes, gene structure and expression, DNA replication and repair, and cell reproduction. Students will also be exposed to the major molecular underpinnings of plant survival with topics from primary literature, such as regulation of photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, drought response, and cold tolerance. Bioinformatics will also be introduced. May be taught concurrently with AGP 655. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 455 and AGP 655.

Recommended Prerequisite: 12 hours of AGN or AGP courses. An overview of the theory and application of site-specific techniques used in agriculture and natural resources with emphasis on precision agronomy. Techniques will include: guidance systems, remote sensing, drone operation, variable rate application, and yield monitoring. May be taught concurrently with AGP 660. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 460 and AGP 660.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or AGN 115 or AGN 365 or AGN 370; and BIO 121 or BIO 101 and 111; and either CHM 107 or CHM 116 or CHM 160. Identification, physiology and impacts of invasive plants and crop weeds and methods for their control in natural and agroecosystems.

The student, with the approval of the instructor, conducts an in-depth literature review and writes a paper on a subject within the area of fruit production, fruit processing, or fruit marketing. May be repeated to a maximum of three hours.

Course will integrate class experience with actual practice and provide students with hands-on experience in businesses or agencies which employ Plant Sciences and Natural Resources majors. Students are required to complete at least 80 hours per each credit hour enrolled for a paid internship, or at least 40 hours per credit hour for a non-paid internship. Students are also expected to complete a daily log of activities, a summary paper, and summary presentation of their internship experience. May be repeated to a maximum of 10 hours.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103. Grapevine growth, development and adaptation of grape species and hybrids is covered. Focus is on vineyard establishment and management for wine production. Concepts relate to all wine growing regions with emphasis on grape production in the Midwest and Eastern United States. May be taught concurrently with AGP 611. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 511 and AGP 611.

Identification, life histories and control methods of insects affecting gardens, ornamental plants, orchards and forests. May be taught concurrently with AGP 613. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 513 and AGP 613.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103. Factors involved in site selection, construction, and management of greenhouses and other controlled-environment structures for production of floriculture and food crops. Sustainable production methods are emphasized. May be taught concurrently with AGP 663. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 543 and AGP 663.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or BIO 101 and 111 or BIO 121; CHM 107 or CHM 116 or CHM 160. Practices employed by fruit and ornamental plant producers in propagation of plants, including seeds, cuttings, layerings, grafting and micropropagation. May be taught concurrently with AGP 673. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 573 and AGP 673.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or AGN 115. Application of genetic principles to the improvement of crop plants. Includes self-pollinated, cross-pollinated, and asexually-propagated crops. May be taught concurrently with AGP 675. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 575 and AGP 675.

Laboratory activities related to plant breeding and genetic improvement of crop plants. May be taught concurrently with AGP 676. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 576 and AGP 676.

This course provides lecture and hands-on exposure to general plant biotechnology, including DNA and RNA extraction, cloning and sequence analysis of DNA fragments, detection of plant viruses by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and generation of genetically-modified plants. May be taught concurrently with AGP 680. Students cannot receive credit for both AGP 580 and AGP 680.

Principles of insect life; careful study of a number of common insect pests, their identification and control.

Recommended Prerequisite: 9 hours of plant science (AGP). Diseases and physiological disorders of fruit, vegetables, agronomic crops and ornamental plants. Emphasis is placed on the interactions between plants and pathogenic organisms, on environmental factors that cause plant diseases, and on disease control methods that reduce or eliminate the need for chemical applications. Students will gain insight into the techniques to manage plant diseases, and the impact plant diseases have on humans and the environment. May be taught concurrently with AGP 683. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 583 and AGP 683.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 581 or concurrent enrollment. Identification of insect and other arthropod pests of crops, forest, feed, livestock and buildings, as well as beneficial insects/arthropods.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGN 115 or AGP 103 or AGP 365 or AGP 370; and BIO 121 or BIO 101 and 111; and either CHM 107 or CHM 116 or CHM 160. Ecology, physiology and impacts of invasive plants and crop weeds and methods for their control in natural and agroecosystems. May be taught concurrently with AGP 685. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 585 and AGP 685.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 585 or concurrent enrollment. Identification of crop, pasture and invasive weeds of mid-south central U.S. and methods for their control.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or AGN 115 or BIO 101 and 111 or BIO 121. Horticultural concepts and their application to the growth and maintenance of fruit, vegetables and ornamentals common to most homes. Will not count toward the Environmental Plant Science major or Horticulture minor. May be taught concurrently with AGP 303. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 303 and AGP 603.

Grapevine growth, development and adaptation of grape species and hybrids is covered. Focus is on vineyard establishment and management for wine production. Concepts relate to all wine growing regions with emphasis on grape production in the Midwest and Eastern United States. May be taught concurrently with AGP 511. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 511 and AGP 611.

Identification, life histories and control methods of insects affecting gardens, ornamental plants, orchards and forests. May be taught concurrently with AGP 513. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 513 and AGP 613.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 and AGP 104 and AGN 405 and AGP 453. This course focuses on the "growing" industry of hydroponics, and includes the different methods and systems used to grow plants without soil, and the science of plant nutrition and production. In the hands-on lab, students plan, build, and manage hydroponic systems for growing plants and apply entrepreneurial strategies for associated business plans. Field trips include visiting local hydroponic growers. May be taught concurrently with AGP 425. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 425 and AGP 625.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 323. General, stress-related and post-harvest physiology of horticulture and agronomic crops in relationship to their environments. May be taught concurrently with AGP 453. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 453 and AGP 633.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or AGN 115 or BIO 101 and 111 or BIO 121. Methods of commercial vegetable production with an emphasis on using sustainable production techniques to optimize yield and quality of vegetables. The purpose of this course is to expand knowledge in commercial vegetable production. May be taught concurrently with AGP 441. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 441 and AGP 641.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or AGN 115 or BIO 101 and 111 or BIO 121. Site selection, design, construction, management, and production methods of crops grown in high tunnels. Sustainable production methods are emphasized. May be taught concurrently with AGP 444. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 444 and AGP 644.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or BIO 101 and 111 or BIO 121. A scientific approach to the physiology of turfgrass in response to the environment, and the selection, establishment, maintenance and pest management relevant to utility, lawn and sports turf. Field trips required. May be taught concurrently with AGP 353. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 353 and AGP 653.

This course encompasses detailed coverage of nucleic acids, plant genomes, gene structure and expression, DNA replication and repair, and cell reproduction. Students will also be exposed to the major molecular underpinnings of plant survival with topics from primary literature, such as regulation of photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, drought response, and cold tolerance. Bioinformatics will also be introduced. May be taught concurrently with AGP 455. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 455 and AGP 655.

Recommended Prerequisite: 12 hours of AGN or AGP courses. An overview of the theory and application of site-specific techniques used in agriculture and natural resources with emphasis on precision agronomy. Techniques will include: guidance systems, remote sensing, drone operation, variable rate application, and yield monitoring. May be taught concurrently with AGP 460. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 460 and AGP 660.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103. Factors involved in site-selection, construction and management of greenhouses and other controlled-environment structures for production of floriculture and food crops. Sustainable production methods are emphasized. May be taught concurrently with AGP 543. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 543 and AGP 663.

Adaptation, production, and utilization of the major grain crops for human and animal (livestock and wildlife) consumption and energy production. May be taught concurrently with AGP 365. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 365 and AGP 665.

Adaptation, production and utilization of the major forage crops for grazing, hay, and silage production, as well as their effects on environmental quality and wildlife. May be taught concurrently with AGP 370. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 370 and AGP 670.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103; and AGN 115 or BIO 121; and CHM 107 or CHM 116 or CHM 160. Practices employed by fruit and ornamental plant producers in propagation of plants, including seeds, cuttings, layerings, grafting and micropropagation. May be taught concurrently with AGP 573. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 573 and AGP 673.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 103 or AGN 115. Application of genetic principles to the improvement of crop plants. Includes self-pollinated, cross-pollinated, and asexually-propagated crops. May be taught concurrently with AGP 575. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 575 and AGP 675.

Laboratory activities related to plant breeding and genetic improvement of crop plants. May be taught concurrently with AGP 576. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 576 and AGP 676.

This course provides lecture and hands-on exposure to more in-depth concepts in plant biotechnology, including DNA and RNA extraction, cloning and sequence analysis of DNA fragments, detection of plant viruses by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and generation of genetically-modified plants. May be taught concurrently with AGP 580. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 580 and AGP 680.

Recommended Prerequisite: 9 hours of plant science (AGP). Continued study into diseases and physiological disorders of fruit, vegetables, agronomic crops and ornamental plants. Emphasis is placed on the interactions between plants and pathogenic organisms, on environmental factors that cause plant diseases, and on disease control methods that reduce or eliminate the need for chemical applications. Students will gain insight into the techniques to manage plant diseases, and the impact plant diseases have on humans and the environment. May be taught concurrently with AGP 583. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 583 and AGP 683.

Recommended Prerequisite: AGP 353 or AGP 365 or AGP 370 or AGP 393 or AGP 441. Ecology, physiology and impacts of invasive plants and crop weeds and methods for their control in natural and agroecosystems. May be taught concurrently with AGP 585. Cannot receive credit for both AGP 585 and AGP 685.

The culture and management of perennial fruit crops adapted to temperate climates. Physiology, technology, and research as it applies to modern production practices will be emphasized. May be taught concurrently with AGP 393. Students cannot receive credit for both AGP 393 and AGP 693.

Special study in an identified area of plant science not treated in other courses. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of nine hours provided the same topic is not duplicated.

A series of oral presentations on new developments in plant science. Presentations to be made by faculty members, students, and guest speakers from industry and academe. May be repeated, but not more than two hours may be counted toward the MS degree.

Recommended Prerequisite: BIO 310. The course will study the chemistry, microbiology, and technology of modern wine production.

Laboratory techniques in assessing wine production methods and quality.

An advanced topic in plant science will be addressed via faculty lectures and student projects. Examples of proposed topics include: Improved Disease Resistance in Viticulture, and Application of Field Collected Data to Computer Analysis. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of nine hours provided the same topic is not duplicated.

Principles, methodology, and commercial applications of plant biotechnology. Includes brief introduction to nucleic acid structure, gene regulation, and genome organization in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.

The effects of environmental stresses on plant physiological functions and plant growth, plus cultural methods to help plants adapt to stress.

The role of natural and synthetic plant hormones and related compounds in the growth, reproduction and cultivation of plants.