Reading or assignment or research on specific aspects of crop development, crop production, weed science, plant pathology, plant biochemistry or plant physiology.

An in-depth study of selected topics of current interest in the fields of plant breeding and genetics.

Detailed analysis of advanced genomic techniques, experimental approaches, and progress in current plant genomic projects.

Application of genetic mapping analyses for the dissection of traits in plant species. Linkage mapping, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, association mapping, and related analyses will be reviewed in detail. Emphasis will be placed on practical applications in genetic studies. The analysis and interpretation of real data will be conducted in computer tutorial sessions.

Advanced training in modern methods of plant breeding.

Principles of oral and poster presentations, visual aid design and organization are discussed and then applied by students in presentations of their current research, and agricultural issues. Course evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

Weed biology and ecology in the context of weed management, covering theory, current information, investigative approaches and experimental techniques. Topics explored include: weed population biology, modelling, weed community ecology, herbicide efficacy and herbicide resistant weeds.

The development of a research proposal, instruction and practice in scientific writing and presentation of a seminar. For Ph.D. students only. Course evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

Lectures, seminars and discussions relating epidemiological principles to plant disease development and control. The course examines in-depth the interrelationships of host, pathogen and environment. Measurement of epidemiological parameters is stressed in relation to disease assessment, disease forecasting and disease management.

An in-depth study of selected topics of current interest in the field of Crop Physiology.

Examination of current concepts of regulation and limitations of photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and assimilate partitioning in field and horticultural crops. Content will include the mode of action of plant growth regulators and herbicides in these processes.

An in-depth study of selected topics of current interest in the field of Agronomy.

An in-depth study of selected topics of current interest in the field of Plant Pathology.

A lecture-seminar course to investigate environmental, crop management and genetic limitations to growth, yield formation, yield, water use efficiency and quality of field, forage and horticultural crops. Interactions will be stressed and emphasis will be placed on sustainable crop production systems. Simple and complex relationships will be demonstrated using models.

An introduction to the theory, strategies, and practice of data management, analysis and utilization in molecular biology. Topics include DNA and protein sequence analysis, biological databases, genomic mapping and analysis of gene expression data. This course will include problem-solving exercises using Unix server-based software. Not to be held with PLNT 4610.