Graduate level courses offered by the Department of Horticulture:
Please see the Graduate Courses AY 2024-2025, 2026-2027 for more information on courses offered during this Academic Year.ENT 501, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
Work on approved problems carried on in the library, laboratory or field.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
ENT 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Reading and discussions on special topics.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 507, SEMINAR, 1-2 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 508, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 509, PRACTICUM IN TEACHING, 1-3 Credits
Developing skills and competence in teaching under staff supervision; organization and presentation of instructional material by assisting in laboratory, recitation, and lectures. CROSSLISTED as CROP 509/ENT 509/PBG 509/SOIL 509.
Equivalent to: CROP 509, PBG 509, SOIL 509
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
ENT 510, INTERNSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 518, CURRENT TOPICS IN ENTOMOLOGY, 2 Credits
A core course of the Horticulture graduate program. Provides an advanced understanding of entomology and its relationship to other disciplines through critical analysis of the scientific literature. Practice synthesizing information and presenting findings to peers. Instructors, topics, and specific learning objectives vary from term to term. CROSSLISTED as ENT 518/HORT 518.
Equivalent to: HORT 518
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ENT 523, ORGANIC BEEKEEPING AND HONEY PRODUCTION, 3 Credits
In this introduction to the fascinating honey bee and its biology, honey bees are used as model organisms to illustrate general principles of biology, entomology, and sociobiology. Learn the basics of beekeeping, organic beekeeping and honey production. Examine the culture and certification of organic and conventional systems of honey production.
Available via Ecampus
ENT 540, ISSUES IN INSECT TOXICOLOGY, 3 Credits
Introduction to concepts and mechanisms associated with molecular toxicology as it relates to insects, including interactions with naturally occurring and synthetic compounds. Overview of current research in insect toxicology including resistance to pesticides, protection of non-target species, and use of insects as model organisms. Discussion of laboratory and field approaches and potential strategies to address issues in insect toxicology.
Recommended: Background in basic chemistry and biology
Available via Ecampus
ENT 542, PRINCIPLES OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: SYSTEMS DESIGN, 4 Credits
Principles of integrated pest management design focusing on the use of systems analysis as a means to integrate management tactics, environmental and biological monitoring, pest control models, and implementation elements into a cohesive whole. Introduction to integrated pest management on websites. Students will design a hypothetical crop-pest management system. Lec/lab.
Equivalent to: HORT 542
Recommended: ENT 311
ENT 544, INSECT AGROECOLOGY, 3 Credits
Agroecology incorporates ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agricultural systems. Topics include: the role of insects in sustainable agricultural systems; application of the principles of insect ecology to better manage insect pests and maximize crop yield; conserving beneficial insects and other natural resources in agroecosystems and the surrounding landscape. CROSSLISTED as ENT 444/HORT 444 and ENT 544/HORT 544.
Equivalent to: HORT 544
Recommended: General background or previous course work in entomology.
ENT 548, INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT IN ORGANIC SYSTEMS, 3 Credits
Prevention, detection, and management of pests and diseases in organic plant production systems. Content includes activities that require students to expand their experience of pest management in their locality by incorporating new and emergent technology for monitoring, diagnosing and managing insects, pathogen, and weed pests and their impacts on crops. Discussions will be centered on the logistics and potential of new technologies in pest management, incorporating biological, ecological and sustainable agriculture concepts.
Recommended: ENT 311 with minimum grade of D-
ENT 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Important topics of current interest in the areas of systematics, insect physiology and toxicology, ecology and behavior, and pest management. Course content and title will change with each offering.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
ENT 601, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 603, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
ENT 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 607, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 609, PRACTICUM IN TEACHING, 1-3 Credits
Developing skills and competence in teaching under staff supervision; organization and presentation of instructional material by assisting in laboratory, recitation, and lectures.
Equivalent to: CROP 609, PBG 609, SOIL 609
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
ENT 699, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Important topics of current interest in the areas of systematics, insect physiology and toxicology, ecology and behavior, and pest management. Course content and title will change with each offering.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HORT 501, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HORT 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
HORT 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HORT 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HORT 507, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HORT 508, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HORT 509, PRACTICUM, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HORT 510, INTERNSHIP, 1-12 Credits
Offered via Ecampus only.
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
HORT 511, RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PERSPECTIVES IN HORTICULTURE, 2 Credits
Introduces beginning graduate students to the faculty in horticulture and provides an in-depth discussion of their research and education programs.
HORT 518, CURRENT TOPICS IN ENTOMOLOGY, 2 Credits
A core course of the Horticulture graduate program. Provides an advanced understanding of entomology and its relationship to other disciplines through critical analysis of the scientific literature. Practice synthesizing information and presenting findings to peers. Instructors, topics, and specific learning objectives vary from term to term. CROSSLISTED as ENT 518/HORT 518.
Equivalent to: ENT 518
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
HORT 519, CURRENT TOPICS IN PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICS, 2 Credits
Provides an advanced understanding of plant breeding and genetics and their relationship to other disciplines through critical analysis of the scientific literature. Practice synthesizing information and presenting findings to peers. Instructors, topics, and specific learning objectives vary from term to term. CROSSLISTED as HORT 519/PBG 519.
Equivalent to: PBG 519
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
HORT 520, CURRENT TOPICS IN HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH, 2 Credits
This is a core course in the horticulture graduate program. Students gain an advanced understanding of horticulture science and its relationship to other disciplines through critical analysis of the scientific literature. Students practice synthesizing information and presenting findings to their peers. Instructors, topics and specific learning objectives vary from term to term.
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
HORT 521, HERBS, SPICES, AND MEDICINAL PLANTS, 3 Credits
Principles of crop ecology, morphology, chemistry and utilization of natural products of herbs, spices, and medicinal plants (HSMP). Examines the history and importance of HSMP, their historic and modern uses, current market trends, botany, collection in the wild, fundamentals of production systems for HSMP, harvesting, drying, and other postharvest operations, natural products and their uses, regulations and legal concerns of herbal products.
Recommended: CROP 200 or equivalent course in HORT.
Available via Ecampus
HORT 533, SYSTEMATICS AND ADAPTATION OF VEGETABLE CROPS, 4 Credits
Covers the botanical and taxonomic relationships, breeding systems and adaptation of vegetable crops. Fresh material is used to illustrate varietal differences and traits of importance. CROP 533/HORT 533.
Equivalent to: CROP 533
Recommended: BI 102 or BI 213 or BI 223 or BI 311 or HORT 430 or CSS 430 or PBG 430 or HORT 450 or CSS 450 or PBG 450
HORT 540, ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS: DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Design, management, and troubleshooting in organic vegetable production systems. Students learn to integrate knowledge from various technical disciplines and explore the social,economic, and environmental dimensions of vegetable production to analyze and evaluate organic vegetable farm enterprises.
Recommended: CROP/SOIL 530 and ENT 548
HORT 544, INSECT AGROECOLOGY, 3 Credits
Agroecology incorporates ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agricultural systems. Topics include: the role of insects in sustainable agricultural systems; application of the principles of insect ecology to better manage insect pests and maximize crop yield; conserving beneficial insects and other natural resources in agroecosystems and the surrounding landscape. CROSSLISTED as ENT 444/HORT 444 and ENT 544/HORT 544.
Equivalent to: ENT 544
Recommended: General background or previous course work in entomology.
HORT 547, ARBORICULTURE, 4 Credits
The principles and practices of arboriculture, the art and science of selecting, planting, establishing and maintaining trees in urban, suburban, commercial and residential landscapes. CROSSLISTED as FES 447/HORT 447 and FES 547/HORT 547.
Equivalent to: FES 547
Recommended: (FES 241 or HORT 226 or HORT 228) and (FOR 111 or HORT 112)
Available via Ecampus
HORT 552, BERRY AND GRAPE PHYSIOLOGY AND CULTURE, 4 Credits
Production of wine grapes, caneberries, strawberries, blueberries, and other miscellaneous berry crops. Emphasis on plant growth and development; pruning and training systems; flower and fruit development and cultivars. Field trips required. Offered in alternate years.
Recommended: HORT 301
HORT 555, URBAN FOREST PLANNING, POLICY AND MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
Examination of planning, policy, and management strategies used in the stewardship of urban natural resources. Fundamentals for developing effective programs to maximize the economic, environmental, and social values and benefits of urban forest landscapes. CROSSLISTED as FES 455/HORT 455 and FES 555/HORT 555.
Equivalent to: FES 555
Recommended: FES 350 or HORT 350
Available via Ecampus
HORT 556, PHYSIOLOGY AND PRODUCTION OF BERRY CROPS, 4 Credits
Physiology and production systems of blueberries, red and black raspberries, blackberries, and other berry crops. Emphasis on plant growth and development; flower and fruit development; cultivars; pruning and training systems; irrigation; harvesting; nutrient management; and conventional and organic production systems.
Available via Ecampus
HORT 563, SEED BIOLOGY, 3 Credits
Information about reproductive development of plants such as pollination and fertilization, which is important for the initiation of seed formation, will be provided. Embryo and endosperm development as well as accumulation of seed storage materials, which are major events during seed development, will be covered, as well as the dormancy and germination mechanisms in mature seeds. CROSSLISTED as CROP 563/HORT 563.
Equivalent to: CROP 563
HORT 580, CASE STUDIES IN CROPPING SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
Analyzes decision cases involving the production of field and horticultural crops; individual and group activities; discussion of the decision-making process. CROSSLISTED as CROP 580/HORT 580.
Equivalent to: CROP 580
Available via Ecampus
HORT 581, HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION CASE STUDIES, 4 Credits
Field-based case studies investigate production issues encountered in horticultural crops; individual and group activities; discussion of processes for troubleshooting, decision-making and management recommendations; assessment of economic, practical and logistical feasibility. Prior knowledge of plant physiology, soils, entomology, and plant nutrition are required. Multiple field trips required. A field trip fee will be charged.
Recommended: HORT 301
HORT 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 0-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HORT 601, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HORT 603, DISSERTATION, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
HORT 605, READING & CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HORT 606, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HORT 607, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HORT 608, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
HORT 699, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PBG 501, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PBG 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
PBG 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PBG 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PBG 507, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PBG 508, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PBG 509, PRACTICUM IN TEACHING, 1-3 Credits
Developing skills and competence in teaching under staff supervision; organization and presentation of instructional material by assisting in laboratory, recitation, and lectures. CROSSLISTED as CROP 509/ENT 509/PBG 509/SOIL 509.
Equivalent to: CROP 509, ENT 509, SOIL 509
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
PBG 510, INTERNSHIP, 4 Credits
Offered via Ecampus only.
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
PBG 513, PLANT GENETIC ENGINEERING, 3 Credits
Principles, methods, and recent developments in the genetic engineering of higher plants.
Recommended: (BI 311 and BOT 331) or (PBG 430 or PBG 530)
PBG 519, CURRENT TOPICS IN PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICS, 2 Credits
Provides an advanced understanding of plant breeding and genetics and their relationship to other disciplines through critical analysis of the scientific literature. Practice synthesizing information and presenting findings to peers. Instructors, topics, and specific learning objectives vary from term to term. CROSSLISTED as HORT 519/PBG 519.
Equivalent to: HORT 519
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
PBG 530, PLANT GENETICS, 3 Credits
Introduction to the principles of plant genetics with an emphasis on the structure and function of economically important plant genomes.
Recommended: One year of biology and chemistry
PBG 540, PRINCIPLES OF PLANT TISSUE CULTURE, 3 Credits
Explores principles of plant tissue culture including explant source, environment, and aseptic techniques. Examines techniques and culture methods including callus, somatic embryogenesis, and micropropagation. Contextualizes modern biotechnology techniques rooted in tissue culture, emphasizing themes of plant genetics and physiology as they pertain to successful tissue culture.
PBG 541, PLANT TISSUE CULTURE, 4 Credits
Principles, methods, and applications of plant tissue culture. Laboratory is important part of course. Topics include callus culture, regeneration, somaclonal variation, micropropagation, anther culture, somatic hybridization, and transformation.
Equivalent to: MCB 541
Recommended: (BI 311 and BOT 331) or PBG 430
PBG 542, PLANT TISSUE CULTURE LABORATORY, 1 Credit
Practice and develop skills pertinent to various tissue culture techniques. Employ aseptic technique with a variety of culture types and categorize different potential sources of contamination. Interpret lab results in the context of theories and topics explored in PBG 440/PBG 540.
PBG 550, PLANT BREEDING, 4 Credits
An introduction to the genetic improvement of self-pollinated, cross-pollinated, and asexually propagated species and the genetic principles on which breeding methods are based. Example are drawn from a wide range of crops, including cereal grains, grasses, fruits, nuts, and vegetables; guest lecturers discuss their breeding programs. Additional topics include crop evaluation, germplasm preservation, disease resistance, and biotechnology.
Recommended: BI 311 or PBG 430 or PBG 530
PBG 551, BREEDING CLONAL CROPS, 1 Credit
The overall goal of the course is to gain fundamental knowledge of breeding methods for clonal crops; these methods are different from those used for seed-propagated crops. Specific examples from a wide array of plant species (tree fruits, berries, tree nuts, potato, sweet potato, cassava, cacao) will be provided to illustrate application of the fundamental knowledge.
Prerequisite: PBG 450 with C or better or PBG 550 with C or better
PBG 552, PLANT BREEDING AND SEED PRODUCTION IN ORGANIC SYSTEMS, 3 Credits
Genetic improvement and seed propagation of self-pollinated and cross-pollinated crops bred for and used in organic production. The philosophical basis for organic agriculture will be reviewed in the context of what breeding technologies are allowed and why. Important traits for adaptation to organic production will be described. Models for organic plant breeding and examples of such programs are provided.
Prerequisite: PBG 530 with D or better
Recommended: BI 311 or PBG 430
Available via Ecampus
PBG 556, CROP PLANT DOMESTICATION, 2 Credits
Learning is based on discussion of the contemporary literature on crop plant origins and domestication. The major agronomic and horticultural crops will be covered. Topics include primary centers of domestication, traits altered by domestication, effect of genetic architecture and local ecology on domestication, and importance of genetic diversity to current plant improvement efforts.
PBG 557, PLANTS AND PATENTS, 2 Credits
Learn about different methods of intellectual property protection in agriculture with a focus on plant patents, plant variety protection and utility patents. The rights, current issues and restrictions that different types of patents allow will be presented through reading the current literature.
PBG 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PBG 601, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PBG 603, DISSERTATION, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
PBG 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PBG 607, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
PBG 609, PRACTICUM IN TEACHING, 1-3 Credits
Developing skills and competence in teaching under staff supervision; organization and presentation of instructional material by assisting in laboratory, recitation, and lectures.
Equivalent to: CROP 609, ENT 609, SOIL 609
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
PBG 620, INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR MARKERS, 2 Credits
Principles and methods for molecular marker discovery and analysis.
Equivalent to: MCB 620
Recommended: BI 311 or PBG 430 or PBG 530
PBG 621, GENETIC MAPPING AND ASSOCIATION, 2 Credits
Principles and methods for genetic map construction and genome-wide association studies.
Equivalent to: MCB 621
Recommended: BI 311 or PBG 430 or PBG 530
PBG 650, ADVANCED PLANT BREEDING AND QUANTITATIVE GENETICS, 3 Credits
Pedigree, bulk, single-seed-descent, doubled haploid, backcross, testcross, mass, and half-sib, S~1~, and S~2~ family breeding methods; breeding hybrids and selecting sources of alleles for developing superior hybrids; the nature and consequences of genotype by environment interactions; marker-assisted backcross and inbred line breeding; quantitative trait locus mapping; random linear models; designing and analyzing cultivar, line, and family selection experiments. Offered odd years.
Equivalent to: CSS 650
Recommended: (CSS 430 or CSS 530 or PBG 430 or PBG 530 or HORT 430 or HORT 530) and (CSS 450 or CSS 550 or PBG 450 or PBG 550 or HORT 450 or HORT 550) and (ST 411 or ST 511) and (ST 412 or ST 512) and (ST 413 or ST 513)
PBG 699, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.