Agricultural Botany

This module integrates our understanding of basic plant science with the objectives of agricultural plant production systems. Knowledge of fundamental plant biology and physiological processes allows manipulation of factors that are key to plant growth and development; and which underpin good husbandry practice, and improved yield and quality in both crop and livestock production systems. The module focuses on the following topics: 1) The role of plants in food production, and as regulators of air, soil and water quality. 2) The basic requirements of plant growth and development. 3) Plant morphology: roots, stems, leaves, fruits and seeds. 4) Major plant groups of agronomic importance, including forage grasses, cereals, legumes and other important field crops. 5) Biology and ecology of weed species. 6) Environmental and physiological regulation of plant growth and development. 7) Plant relationships with beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. 8) Introduction to selective breeding of crops