Course ID:  AGRO 4753 Crop Physiology

 

Prerequisites:  BIOL 1143, 1171 (Botany or equivalent)

 

Text(s) and supplemental books and materials: 

            The Physiology of Crop Yield, 2nd Ed. by R. Hay and J. Porter, Blackwell Pub.

            Additional information, research articles and web sites will also be

            provided to supplement the text.

 

Professor’s name:        Paul B. Francis

                                    AGRI 103

                                    870/460-1314,  email:  francis@uamont.edu  

 

Office hours:              MWF 9-12,  T Th 1-4

 

Special policies statement:

1. Any student caught in an intentional, premeditated and blatant act of cheating on any exam will be given the option of withdrawing from the course or receiving an ‘F’. 

2. Attendance at all class functions is highly encouraged but not required.  Attendance records will be kept on file for the occasional request from student loan representatives and potential employers.  Please notify the instructor if you are having to miss a class meeting so that it can be recorded as an excused absence.

 

Special dates of concern:       Jan. 15 Holiday!

                                                Feb. 28 deadline to file for August or Dec. graduation

                                                March 12-16 spring break!

                                                April 2-13, pre-registration

                                                April 4, last day to drop with a ‘W’

                                                May 1, last day of class

                                                May 11, commencement

                                               

 

Goals and objectives:

1. Examine selected plant physiological processes pertaining to dry matter

    accumulation and yield from subcellular biochemistry to field scale agronomic

    situations.

2. Review selected physiological studies of plants growing singly and in stands in

    both controlled and field conditions.

3. Understand the complex physiological, environmental and cultural interactions as

    they relate to crop growth and yield.

4. Learn the physiological aspects of crop quality and the inverse relationship

    between quality and yield.

5. Understand the theory and practice of crop modeling and their role as tools for

    development of more efficient agronomic practices.

 

Course Outline:

Unit I. Carbon assimilation: photosynthesis and photorespiration.

            Chpts. 3,4 and supplemental information. 

 

Unit II.  Respiration, carbon partitioning (source-sink relationships).

               Chpts. 5, 6 and supplemental information.

 

Unit III. Flowering and reproduction, PGR’s, water, nutrients.

               Chpts. 2, 7 and lots of supplemental information and readings.

 

Unit IV. Improving crop efficiency.

               Chpts. 8, 9, 10 and supplemental readings.

 

Provisions for tests and evaluations:

If you miss an exam for a legitimate reason, please inform the instructor within 5 days prior or after so that a makeup exam can be scheduled.  In some situations, the missed points or make up exam may be added to the final exam.  Legitimate reasons are things like official University functions, illness, trauma, or other reasons such as a job interview.

 

Special Projects, Assignments, Field Trips:  The class will engage in several research and demonstration projects and several take-home quizzes.

 

Grading policy:          4 exams (after each Unit)                  400 pts

                                    1 paper report                                      50 pts

                                    1 research report                                 50 pts

                                    Take home quizzes                             100 pts

                                                                        Total pts         600 pts

 

A: 540 +, B: 480-539, C: 420-479,  D: 360-419 pts.

 

NOTICES:

“It is the policy of the University of Arkansas at Monticello to accommodate individuals with disabilities pursuant to federal law and the University’s commitment to equal educational opportunities.  It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any necessary accommodations at the beginning of the course.  Any student requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Special Student Services located in Harris Hall Room 120; phone 870 460-1026; TDD 870 460-1626; Fax 870 460-1926.”  

 

“UAM will no longer mail grade reports to all students.  You may access your grades through Campus Connect on the UAM Homepage, www.uamont.edu.  To have your grades mailed to you, complete the grade request form available in the Registrar’s Office in Monticello, or the Student Services Office in Crossett or McGehee.”

 

“The following action is prohibited under the Student Conduct Code: Disorderly Conduct: Any behavior which disrupts the regular or normal functions of the University community, including behavior which breaches the peace or violates the rights of others.”