Module Identifier | RD17610 | ||
Module Title | PLANT AND CROP SCIENCE | ||
Academic Year | 2001/2002 | ||
Co-ordinator | Dr Graham Harris | ||
Semester | Semester 1 | ||
Pre-Requisite | Biology appraisal, Biology appraisal, | ||
Assessment | Exam | 1.5 Hours Mid-module test (short answers, multiple choice) Outcomes assessed: 1, 2 | 40% |
Exam | 1.5 Hours Short answer, multiple choice | 60% |
Outcome 2
Describe aspects of plant growth, crop productivity and crop breeding relevant to crop production systems on a UK, European and world scale.
Performance criteria:
a) Methods of plant growth/development and crop productivity/yield assessment are identified.
b) The factors controlling plant growth and crop production are identified.
c) Crop breeding techniques are described.
d) The implications of world population increases on crop productivity and the concept of sustainable agriculture are appreciated.
Ranges:
Assessing growth and productivity: crop development stages, fresh mass, dry matter, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, harvestable yield.
Plant growth: genetic and chemical control, environmental influences.
Crop breeding techniques: introduction, hybridization, selection, plant biotechnology.
Implication of world population: Nations at risk, increasing developing nations' crop production, green revolution and problems, sustainable agriculture.
Outcome 3
A knowledge of the importance of microorganisms in the environment, with specific reference to their role in agricultural systems, is demonstrated.
Performance criteria:
a) The types of microorganisms in the environment are identified.
b) The importance and role of microorganisms in agricultural processes is evaluated.
c) The importance of microorganisms in biotechnological processes is appreciated.
Ranges:
Types of microorganisms:- viruses, bacteria, mycoplasmas, fungi, algae, protozoa.
Agricultural processes:- silage, rumen, animal disease, food spoilage, food processing.
Biotechnological processes: genetic engineering, use in food production, biological control of crop pathogens, pests and weeds.
Outcome 4
Examine the principles of crop protection and integrated control measures.
Performance criteria:
a) The major areas of crop protection are identified.
b) The types of microorganisms, pests and weeds causing problems in crop husbandry are identified.
c) The types of disease, pest and weed control measures are described.
d) The effects of crop protection control measures on organisms and the environment are described and appreciated.
Ranges:
Major areas of crop protection: diseases, pests, weeds.
Types of microorganisms, pests and weeds: fungi, bacteria, mycoplasmas, viruses, insects, nematodes, slugs, annual weeds, perennial weeds.
Types of control measures: cultural, biological, genetic resistance, chemical, legislation, managed, integrated.
Effects of control measures: resistance to chemicals, disruption of food chains/webs, species diversity.