Introductory Plant Science 1(3L-2P) Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture program.
An introduction to the basic principles of plant anatomy, morphology, physiology, growth and development in relation to crop production. The course also addresses the responses of plants to their environment, including interactions with, and the effects of, factors such as competition (crop plants and weeds), temperature, moisture, nutrients, diseases and insects. Crop production management practices and their impact on crop productivity are also considered.
PLSC 50.6
Integrated Weed Management 2(3L-2P) Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture program.
Considers the nature of annual, winter annual and perennial weed infestations in various types of crops. It describes weed growth and development, factors affecting the spread of weeds, and the nature and extent of losses due to weeds. Both chemical and non-chemical weed control methods are outlined and the factors that determine their effectiveness are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the development of weed control programs that are agrnomically, environmentally and economically sound. Herbicide mode of action and the development of herbicide resistance in weed species are considered.
PLSC 56.3
Environmental Studies 2(3L) Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture program.
This is an introductory course on the basic principles of ecology. It relates us to the world environment, emphasizing our dependence on the interrelationships between solar energy, air, water, soil and living organisms. Topics discussed include the functioning of ecological systems such as fields, lakes and forests, the meaning of air and water pollution and ecotoxicity, and the impact of agriculture and population increases on the environment.
PLSC 57.3
Agrometeorology 2(3L-1T) Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture program in the College of Agriculture.
This course discusses the processes by which weather elements affect various aspects of agriculture, including crop growth and development, disease incidence, animal metabolism, planting and harvesting dates, spray scheduling, and the use and design of shelterbelts and farm buildings. Knowledge gained will aid in interpreting weather data and forecasts, understanding variations in climate with changes in topography, and understanding implications of climatic change.
PLSC 58.3
Forage Crops 2(3L-2P) Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture program.
Introduces students to the production, handling and marketing of forage crops. A number of native and introduced plants used for pasture, hay and silage are discussed. Topics addressed include sustainable production and goals, selection and production of cultivated plants, the care of native species, and forage economics.
PLSC 59.6
Cereal Crops 2(3L-2P) Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture program in the College of Agriculture.
Focuses on the various market classes of cereal crops produced in Western Canada including wheat, rye, triticale, corn, rice, wild rice and canary seed. It considers the importance of cereals domestically and internationally. Consideration is given to important grain quality characteristics and how these factors fit with market demands and utilization of the various types of of cereals, including rice, corn, sorghum and millet. Agronomic characteristics, pest control and production practices which will maximize quality and productivity are discussed.
PLSC 63.3
Pedigreed Seed Production 1(3L-2P) Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture program.
Outlines the basic principles and practices involved in the Canadian pedigreed seed system. Practical aspects of seed production are considered, with emphasis on the scientific principles behind the regulations. Various groups and agencies and their roles in seed production are described. The development, evaluation, registration and release of new cultivars are also considered, including hybrids and synthetics. Plant breeder’s rights and patents are also discussed.
PLSC 66.6
Horticulture Crops 1(3L-2P) Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture program.
Introduces students to the production, marketing and utilization of horticulture crops adapted to the Canadian prairies including fruit, vegetables, greenhouse crops, wildcrafting, herbs and medicinals. Farm operations varying from hobby gardens through to commercial scale will be used to illustrate course concepts.
PLSC 73.3
Rural Landscaping 2(3L-2P) Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture program.
Introduces students to plant materials, the theory and utility of plant use, and the economics and esthetic benefits of landscaping. Students will gain the ability to identify landscape plants and incorporate them effectively into a landscape. Plants considered will be prairie-hardy evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and annual and perennial flowers.
PLSC 74.6
Oilseed and Pulse Crops 2(3L-2P) Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture program.
The chemical, physical, and nutritional characteristics of fats and oils are discussed, with emphasis on similarities and differences among the oils produced by the various oilseed crops. Oilseed crops important to western Canada are discussed with respect to agrnomic and quality characteristics, growth and development, and production practices to maximize grain quality and crop yield. The nutritional and agrnomic characteristics of grain legume crops are discussed with major emphasis on those adapted to Western Canada. Growth and development characteristics of species and cultivars are considered in relation management practices presently used in western Canadian agriculture. Control of weeds, insect pests and diseases is also considered.