Plant Sciences (PLSC)

Discussion of horticulture, field crop, and plant protection careers. Examination of Department's curriculum, including its field, orchard and greenhouse operations. Introduction to student and professional organizations. Discussion of advising and academic resources. Required of all Horticulture and Crop Science students. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 lecture. Formerly AEPS 101.

Introduction to the science of entomology, including insect identification, biology, ecology and evolution. Insects as beneficials, disease vectors and crop pests, and their interactions with humans, including roles in human culture and history. Not open for credit to Agricultural and Environmental Plant Sciences, Plant Sciences, or Wine and Viticulture majors (Viticulture concentration). 3 lectures, 1 activity. Fulfills GE Areas B2 and B3 (GE Areas B2 and B4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs). Formerly AEPS 110.

Introduction to horticulture and crop science. Basic plant processes, classification, anatomy, physiology, and biotechnology. Effect of environment on plants and how we control it. Introduction to plant growth including propagation, media, irrigation, nutrition, management, harvest, and post harvest handling. People's use of plants. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 120.

Planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennial plantings, color beds, specialty plantings, and small turf areas. Site selection, cultural requirements, scheduling of maintenance activities, pruning, landscape renovation and irrigation system repair. Equipment operation, maintenance, and safety. Speakers from industry. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 123.

Plant propagation practices with emphasis on understanding why practices are used, how they work, and how they are applied in commercial horticulture. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 124.

Design, construction techniques, and materials used in landscape and horticulture construction. Material quantity estimating, sustainable building practices, construction material substitutions, tools and equipment associated with landscape and horticulture construction, and equipment safety. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 126.

Aesthetic aspects of environmental horticulture, introduction to computer aided design, presentation techniques and garden history. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories. Formerly AEPS 127.

Orchard design and development, cultural practices, physiological responses of trees to cultural practices, propagation and strategies to maximize orchard profitability and sustainability. Not open to students with credit in AEPS 250. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 132.

Analysis of production and management strategies for major fruit and nut crops in California. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 133.

Forages as a world resource in food and animal production, soil and water conservation and sustainable agricultural systems. Forage use systems: pasture and range, green chop, silage, hay and cubes. Identification and management of limiting factors of forage plant growth. Botany of legumes and grasses. Grass, legume and weed identification. Forage crop improvement. Forage composition and quality. Antiquality factors. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 150.

Studies and exercises in the handling of European honey bees with special reference to pollination of commercial crops. Honey processing and marketing. Hive inspection and disease detection. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 175.

History, botany, growth characteristics and climatic adaptation, pests, and harvesting methods for the most important vegetable crops grown in California. Use of transplants, plastic mulches and row covers in vegetable production. Current topics in agriculture important to the vegetable industry. Field trip to a major California vegetable production area required. Survey of vegetable production for Plant Sciences majors. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 190.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total graduation credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter. Report required. Formerly AEPS 200.

Beginning field experience in production and marketing of organic vegetable crops. May include cultural practices, harvesting, processing, sales and marketing activities. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 lecture, 1 activity. Formerly AEPS 203.

Hands-on experience in the production and marketing of fruit and vegetable crops such as blueberries, stone fruits, pomegranates, apples, citrus, avocados, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash and lettuce. Students will also receive hands-on training in crop management. Not open to students with credit in AEPS 202 or AEPS 204. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 lecture, 1 activity. Formerly AEPS 205.

Beginning field experience in environmental horticulture. Selection and completion of a management/production project. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 lecture, 1 activity. Formerly AEPS 212.

Fundamentals of theory, techniques and skills currently practiced in the floral industry. Intended as consumer education for non-majors as well as initial preparation for pre-professionals. Includes applied art principles, post-harvest care and handling practices, and proper use of florist tools and materials in developing basic designs. 1 lecture, 2 laboratories. Formerly AEPS 215.

Expanded exploration and application of design theory to commercial products and services in the retail floral industry. Appropriate utilization of current sales and business practices in a florist setting. Advanced techniques and skills for construction of designs for weddings, advanced arrangements, and designs for events. 1 lecture, 2 laboratories. Formerly AEPS 225.

Technical information and recommendations for the residential horticulturist. Propagation, pruning, planting, media, fertilizers, pest and weed control, landscaping, maintenance, identification and care of ornamental plants. Being a wise horticultural consumer. Not open to Plant Sciences majors. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 230.

Fundamentals of grape growing, with emphasis on wine grapes. Fundamentals of vine anatomy and physiology, development and phenology, trellising systems, soils, climatic factors, vineyard establishment, grafting, irrigation, fertility, harvest practices, pruning, major pests, and major varieties and rootstocks. Not open to students with credit in WVIT 231. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as PLSC 232/WVIT 233. Formerly AEPS 232/WVIT 233.

Identification, habits of growth, cultural requirements, and use of ornamental plants in the landscape. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 233.

Identification, habits of growth, cultural requirements, and use of ornamental plants in the landscape. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 234.

Production of field and vegetable seed. Seed technology, germination, quality control, seed enhancement, storage and handling of seed, and seed laws. Field trip to a seed conditioning/seed enhancement facility required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 240.

Precision agriculture applications. Integrating GIS, GPS, and remote sensing technologies with site-specific farming practices to optimize agricultural productivity. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as BRAE/PLSC 244.

Applied principles of plant growth in relation to the production horticulture industry. Emphasis on container media, fertilizing practices, irrigation, plant growth regulators, and miscellaneous growing structures. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 245.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures. Formerly AEPS 270.

Principles of qualitative and quantitative genetics useful in the development of new plant varieties. Procedures for the creation of genetic variability, testing procedures, and selection schemes for development of improved plant types. 4 lectures. Formerly AEPS 304.

Field experience in environmental horticulture. Selection and completion of a management/production project under faculty supervision. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 lecture, 1 activity. Formerly AEPS 312.

The science of entomology as it relates to insects of importance in agriculture. Focus on the biology, ecology and identification of insects and mites important to California horticulture, field crops and landscapes. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 313.

Origins, application, regulation and technology of organic crop production. Theoretical and practical issues surrounding organic crop production from a cross-disciplinary perspective. Topics include the history of the organic movement; current regulation and certification; and field management practices and technologies. Features industry guest lecturers. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Crosslisted as AG/PLSC 315. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog). Formerly AEPS/AG 315.

Weed ecology, biology, and implications for management. Identification of weedy and invasive plant species in annual agricultural, perennial semi-managed, range, aquatic, and forest ecosystems, to elucidate weaknesses and strengths in order to facilitate vegetation management. Organic, cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical methods and their integrated pest management (IPM) uses. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 321.

Comprehensive study of the causes and effects of diseases of plants. Designed to lead to an understanding of plant pathology, and modern methods to control plant disease. 2 lectures, 2 activities. Crosslisted as BOT/PLSC 323. Formerly AEPS/BOT 323.

Vertebrate pests injurious to crops, livestock, forest products, wildlife, stored products and humans. Life habits, identification, control methods, and materials. Related laws and regulations. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 327.

Agriculture as applied biology and its impact on civilization. Application of technology to increase the efficiency of food production. Genetics and biotechnology; culminating in an assessment of genetically engineered foods, the myths, the controversy, the science. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog). Formerly AEPS 329.

Advanced viticulture theory and practice, with an emphasis on fall season activities. Identification of rootstocks, wine and table grapes, species taxonomy and diversity, and breeding for grapevine improvement. Field trips may be required. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as PLSC/WVIT 331. Formerly AEPS/WVIT 331.

Practices in supervising personnel and applying standard techniques in landscape construction. Cost finding and estimating for landscape trades. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 332.

Development, practices, history, and future of crop production in greenhouses. Research applications, commercial applications, production problems, marketing, and economics. Special emphasis on growing transplants in greenhouses and use of nutrient solutions. Field trips to a commercial greenhouse operation and/or analysis lab required. 2 activities. Formerly AEPS 333.

Hands-on experience in the production, management and marketing of a variety of hydroponically-grown, greenhouse vegetables. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 lecture, 1 activity. Formerly AEPS 334.

Advanced viticulture theory and practice with emphasis on winter season activities. Pruning to influence vine balance, productivity, training and trellising systems, vineyard establishment, cover cropping and weed management. Field trips required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as PLSC 336/WVIT 332. Formerly AEPS 336/WVIT 332.

Advanced viticulture theory and practices with emphasis on spring activities. Vine source/sink relations, factors impacting yield and berry composition, the role environmental conditions on vine physiology, and canopy management. Field trips required. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as PLSC 337/WVIT 333. Formerly AEPS 337/WVIT 333.

Selected Plant Sciences students will spend up to 12 weeks with an approved agricultural/horticultural firm off-campus engaged in plant production or related business. Time will be spent applying and developing production and managerial skills and abilities. One unit of credit may be allowed for each full week of completed and reported internship. Degree credit limited to 6 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Formerly AEPS 339.

Analysis of problems and practices affecting the contemporary commercial horticulturist. Analysis and operation of greenhouses and related equipment stressing the effect of environment on plant growth. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 340.

Production of cut flowers and other fresh florists' commodities in greenhouses and outdoors. Preparation and scheduling of such commodities for major markets. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 341.

Production of major commercial flowering potted plants in greenhouses and outdoors. Preparation and scheduling of potted flowering greenhouse crops for major markets. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 342.

Turfgrass species and uses. Principles of turfgrass physiology and communities under different environments. Overview of procedures and equipment for propagation, mowing, irrigation, fertilization, aerification, and pest control. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 343.

Diagnosis of plant physiological disorders associated with environmental and nutritional stresses. Emphasis on the systematic inquiry process and contrasting abiotic and biotic stress. Lab includes application of various diagnostic instruments, analysis of test results, and treatment recommendations. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 350.

Principal experimental designs used in agriculture and methods of statistical analysis of data collected from each. Statistical software. Field practice in planning and layout of typical experiments. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 351.

World citrus and avocado production and marketing. Orchard management techniques. Relationship of environment to species, cultivar, and rootstock selection. Field trip to a major California production area required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 355.

California nut crop production, focusing on almond, walnut and pistachio. Orchard establishment and management techniques. Environmental, physiological and biological factors affecting growth and production. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 360.

Survey of California flora with emphasis on landscape use and potential. Plant recognition, identification, propagation and culture. Utilization of native plants in landscape design and habitat restoration. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 381.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total degree credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter. Report required. Formerly AEPS 400.

Advanced coverage of sustainable weed and invasive plant management technologies. Concepts include environmental fates, plant metabolism, ecology and biology of weeds, and mechanisms of action of herbicides. Plant biotechnology as it relates to herbicide resistance in crops and weeds. 4 lectures. Formerly AEPS 406.

Ecological and physiological factors associated with the production of crop plants. Physiological and biochemical processes that elucidate the mechanisms of whole plant performance and responses to the environment. 4 lectures. Formerly AEPS 410.

Comprehensive survey of major grape pests including diseases, insects, weeds, vertebrates, and nematodes. Identification and biology of grape pests and natural enemies, monitoring, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including cultural, biological, and chemical controls. Guest lectures. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Crosslisted as PLSC/WVIT 414. Formerly AEPS/WVIT 414.

Systems approach to crop management, soil fertility and plant nutrition, and crop and pest management including current regulations and modern technologies implemented in organic crop production. Intended for students with a background in the plant sciences. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Formerly AEPS 420.

Respiration, ethylene, ripening and senescence; modified atmosphere packaging, controlled atmosphere storage, packinghouses and transportation; survey of postharvest techniques to maximize commodity shelf-life. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 421.

Comprehensive and historical overview of the nursery industry. Types of wholesale nurseries and their products. Plant production systems, scheduling, and marketing. Emphasis on medium to large woody plants and deciduous field-grown ornamental trees and shrubs in the western U.S. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 424.

Theory and practice for the care and management of ornamental trees. Selection, planting, establishment, maintenance of specimen trees. Professional use of ropes and safety equipment. Tree evaluation, scheduling cultural practices, bracing, cabling, specialty hand and power equipment operation, safety regulations. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories. Formerly AEPS 425.

Recognition, prevention and control of diseases, insect/mite pests and weeds that impact commercial ornamental plantings. Integrated pest management strategies presented including biological, cultural, and safe and proper pesticidal controls. Laboratory emphasizes monitoring, problem-solving and application of appropriate pest control measures. 2 lectures, 2 activities. Formerly AEPS 427.

Discussions of disease development, effect of pathogens on plant function, breeding for disease resistance, plant defense mechanisms, epidemiology and disease management, diagnosis techniques, and career opportunities in the field of Plant Pathology. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 428.

Principles of insect and mite pest management, including integrated pest management (IPM), applications of ecological theory to pest management, cultural, biological and chemical controls, pesticide resistance management, insect and mite monitoring, biotechnology applications, pesticide laws and regulations, pest control advisor and qualified applicator licensing and certification. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 431.

Advanced maintenance and operation of golf course facilities and athletic field complexes. Specialized turf establishment and maintenance, environmental concerns, finance and personnel management, and professional development. Field trip required. Not open to students with credit in PLSC 430. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 432.

Management and maintenance of private and public parks, arboreta, botanical gardens and recreational areas. Maintenance personnel management, safety and liability issues. Field trips required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 437.

Control of arthropods, weeds and vertebrates to include history of biocontrol; biology of beneficial arthropods; methods of introduction, augmentation and conservation; and case studies. Identification of beneficial arthropods to appropriate taxonomic level. Technology, laws and regulations governing use of biocontrol agents. Field trips to insectaries, quarantine facilities and/or crop production areas. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly AEPS 441.

Classification and description of agricultural systems of the world. Cropping systems as land management plans. Systems approaches to improvement of agricultural situations. Consideration of human factors and the agroecosystem in efforts to create a more sustainable agriculture. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Formerly AEPS 445.

Current issues in the California strawberry industry. Varied topics related to production techniques, pest management, labor, food safety, water quality, breeding, postharvest handling, automation, marketing, processing, and organics. Field trip required. Total credit limited to 4 units. 2 seminars. Formerly AEPS 450.

Initial information research for project definition and development. Projects are typical of problems which graduates must solve in their fields of study or employment. Project results are presented in PLSC 462. Contract drawn up with approval of advisor. 2 lectures. Formerly AEPS 461.

Continuation of Senior Project development. Write-up of rough draft and formal draft of project. Completion of formal written report under advisor supervision. Minimum 60 hours. Formerly AEPS 462.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures. Formerly AEPS 470.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories. Formerly AEPS 471.

Advanced independent study planned and completed under the direction of a member of the Plant Sciences faculty. Total credit limited to 6 units. Formerly AEPS 500.

Application of theory to the solution of problems of agricultural production or related business in the fields of horticulture and crop science. Analyze specific management problems and perform general management assignments detailed in a contract between the student, the firm or organization, and the faculty advisor before the internship commences. Degree credit limited to 6 units. Formerly AEPS 539.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1 to 4 seminars. Formerly AEPS 570.

Directed group laboratory of selected topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1 to 4 laboratories. Formerly AEPS 571.

The application of evolutionary, phylogenetic, taxonomic and biogeographic principles as they pertain to current agricultural issues in the US. Attention is given to invasive species and their impact on California's agricultural industry. The course focus is insects, but invasive plants and microorganisms are also addressed. 4 seminars. Formerly AEPS 575.

Group study of current problems, trends and research results pertaining to production or marketing of field, vegetable or fruit crops. 3 seminars. Formerly AEPS 581.

Systematic research of a significant problem in Crop Science. Thesis will include problem identification, significance, methods, data analysis, and conclusion. Students must enroll every quarter in which facilities are used or advisement is received. Total credit limited to 9 units. Formerly AEPS 596.

Systematic research of a significant problem in environmental horticulture. Thesis will include problem identification, significance, methods, data analysis and conclusion. Students must enroll every quarter in which facilities are used or advisement is received. Total credit limited to 9 units. Formerly AEPS 597.

Systematic research of a significant problem in Fruit Science. Thesis will include problem identification, significance, methods, data analysis, and conclusion. Students must enroll every quarter in which facilities are used or advisement is received. Total credit limited to 9 units. Formerly AEPS 598.

Systematic research of a topic in plant protection science, including weed science, entomology, plant pathology, nematology or vertebrate management. Thesis to describe the problem and its significance, methodology, results, data analysis, discussion and conclusion. Enrollment required every quarter in which facilities are used or advisement received. Total credit limited to 9 units. Formerly AEPS 599.